QPR make move for Sturm Graz defender | OneFootball

Marti Cifuentes' side have made a move in their quest to beat other teams to Max Johnston's signature.

Queens Park Rangers have made their move to recruit Sturm Graz right-back Max Johnston.

This is according to reporter Anthony Joseph, who has revealed that the R's have made a loan approach to try and lure the Scotland youth international to Loftus Road for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.

Johnston hasn't been short of interest during the summer transfer window, with a few Championship teams taking a closer look at him.

Joseph reported during the early stages of July that Luton Town and Oxford United were also keen on the player, along with Danish side AGF and League One outfit Birmingham City.

Blues have brought in Alfons Sampsted and Taylor Gardner-Hickman since then though - and with both players able to operate at right-back - a move for Johnston seems unlikely before the summer window closes.

Luton, meanwhile, have brought in Reuell Walters, who could be an excellent option to have on the right-hand side at Kenilworth Road.

And Oxford have also strengthened their right-back department, with Peter Kioso and Hidde ter Avest coming in to compete with Sean Long for a start at right-back.

Even if Long is used more as a central defender this term, the U's probably have enough depth in this area already, which could give QPR a great chance of getting a deal for Johnston over the line.

The R's probably need another option in this area, even though Reggie Cannon is a decent option to have in this department.

Aaron Drewe and Osman Kakay have both left the club since the end of last term, reinforcing the need for depth in this area and a potential addition in this position before the summer transfer window closes.

QPR keen on Max Johnston move

QPR may have lost talented starlet Sinclair Armstrong, but the board have made up for that by giving Marti Cifuentes plenty of backing in the transfer market.

Liam Morrison, Zan Celar, Jonathan Varane and Nicolas Madsen have all been brought in for transfer fees and some others have come in on free transfers and loan moves.

And it looks as though they are keen to add more quality to their squad, with a loan approach being made for 20-year-old Johnston.

They are keen to secure him on a temporary deal for the Scotland youth international, who has plenty of senior experience under his belt from his time at his current team and Motherwell.

Max Johnston could be a good signing for QPR

During his career, Johnston has shown that he can be a real asset going forward.

If he can secure regular starts, the likes of Johnston and Kenneth Paal could make the R's a real threat out wide and this is a key reason why the former would be a smart signing.

He may not have played in England before, but the right-back has played in the top tier of Austrian football and has won silverware during his career.

The R's have already spent a decent amount in the transfer market and could benefit from the loan market again to minimise costs.

This is another reason why Johnston could be an ideal acquisition.