What Jimmy Dunne has said about Sheffield United transfer interest after big QPR contract news | OneFootball

QPR defender Jimmy Dunne has opened up on the speculation over his future after signing a new contract at Loftus Road.

Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne has admitted that he found the speculation over his future tough to deal with after signing a new contract at Loftus Road.

Dunne joined QPR from Burnley in July 2021, and after enjoying another impressive campaign last season as his side finished 15th in the Championship, he was voted Player of the Year by supporters and his teammates.

FLW exclusively reported that Sheffield United were interested in Dunne during the January transfer window, and Blades manager Chris Wilder later revealed that the club had what he described as a "reasonably good bid" rejected by the R's.

Wilder admitted that he is a big admirer of Dunne, and with his contract at QPR expiring this summer, he was reportedly keen to pursue a move for the Republic of Ireland international, but the United hierarchy were less keen on the idea as they continue to implement a new data-driven recruitment model that includes the use of AI, and such disagreements over transfers contributed to the 57-year-old's departure.

Dunne has now committed his future to the Hoops, and despite the managerial uncertainty at Loftus Road with the club yet to officially appoint a replacement for Marti Cifuentes, he is the latest player to either sign a new deal or have a contract extension triggered this summer after Joe Walsh, Steve Cook, Jonathan Varane, Sam Field and Michael Frey.

Jimmy Dunne speaks out on Sheffield United speculation after fresh QPR contract agreement

While Dunne did not mention Sheffield United specifically, he admitted that the ongoing speculation over his future has been something of a distraction in recent months, but he insisted that, after taking time to weigh up the decision, staying at QPR is the right call.

"It is difficult to play football alongside speculation like that," Dunne told the club's official website.

"You just want to focus on football alone.

"But I think, ultimately, footballers need to do what's best for their career and their development. I'm well into my 20s now. I'm an experienced player at the club, but development and the right direction is still important to me. Ultimately, I continue to feel like QPR is the best place for me.

"I think it was key to take time away and think about it. And I did that. I tried to think about all the aspects that come into where a footballer should be. I want to continue to grow in confidence, continue to improve my leadership skills, to be happy – not underestimating that I feel loved here and I love the people here.

"All those things added up ultimately to the decision that I want to continue to play my football here.

"I've had some amazing memories and moments at Loftus Road that I've grown attached to.

"It's something that you can't really describe.

"I just want to continue to enjoy the journey. I want to continue investing time and effort into that and see where I can get to.

"When I came in four seasons ago, I think in my first interview, I said I expect to get promoted at a club like QPR because it's a massive club and that's what it deserves. Even though it's been difficult, it remains my primary ambition."

R's CEO Christian Nourry revealed that Dunne "had the pick of the Championship clubs in this window", but he believes he has decided to remain loyal to the club because of "what we are all building together".

Dunne has been outstanding over the last few seasons, so it is no surprise that he was attracting strong Championship interest this summer, but convincing him to sign a new contract at the club is a huge coup for QPR.

While it seems Wilder and the Sheffield United board disagreed about whether to reignite their interest in Dunne, it is likely he would have had offers from many clubs with promotion ambitions in the second tier, so his decision to stay with the R's is a big show of faith in the project Nourry is building at Loftus Road.

Keeping hold of Dunne will be a big boost for incoming Hoops manager Julien Stephan, and while the club will be keen to support the Frenchman with some exciting signings in the transfer market, tying their star defender down to an extension may be the best bit of business the West London outfit do this summer.