QPR "trying" to complete deal for in-demand Reading FC man - they'd need to pay compensation | OneFootball

It's going to be a hard fought battle for the defender's signature.

Queens Park Rangers are looking to seal a deal for soon-to-be Reading free agent Amadou Mbengue, amid interest from other parties.

The R's have already got one key defensive move made this summer. It was announced on Wednesday that Jimmy Dunne had agreed new terms with the west London club, snubbing interest from play-off finalists Sheffield United. They are looking to make a second splash in this area of the pitch by signing Mbengue.

The centre-half has been offered a new deal by Reading but has received a lot of Championship interest, according to West London Sport. QPR, Charlton Athletic, Watford and Preston North End have all been linked with the 23-year-old Senegalese player.

Mbengue helped Noel Hunt's Royals keep nine clean sheets in the 34 appearances that he made in League One last season. Reading missed out on a play-off spot on the final day of the season.

QPR attempting to seal Amadou Mbengue deal

QPR are "trying to complete a deal" for the defender, according to WLS, but still face competition from other interested clubs.

If signed soon, Mbengue would be the first new face brought to Loftus Road this summer, following the contract extensions of Dunne and Sam Field, and because he is under the age of 24, Reading would be due compensation for his services.

Reading's co-CEO, Joe Jacobson, has admitted that his side are unlikely to keep all of the players that they have offered fresh terms to, hinting that the likes of Mbengue may not return to the Select Car Leasing Stadium, and therefore presenting an opportunity to clubs like QPR.

"Everyone who we wanted to stay will stay, within reason," said the former Wycombe Wanderers stalwart to the Reading Chronicle.

"We might not be able to keep everyone because of how well some did but we are trying.

"We would love to keep everyone we have offered contracts to. It might not happen, but that is football. We want to get players in, some really good and exciting players."

QPR's summer business so far could help secure Amadou Mbengue deal

The 23-year-old already has some Championship experience from his first season with Reading (2022/23).

His importance to the Berkshire side continually grew over his first three, and potentially last, terms with them. Given where they finished last season, and the performances the defender put in to help them get to that point, there's no doubt that he is worthy of a Championship move.

QPR have already displayed their pulling power this summer by tying Dunne and Field down to new deals; two very talented options that other clubs were sure to be looking at. Holding on to the pair of key assets will only make the prospect of moving to Loftus Road more enticing for players like Mbengue.

The Irishman's commitment, especially, could influence him. Dunne has developed so much since first landing in west London four years ago. The pathway for defensive prospects to grow into players that clubs challenging for the Premier League is evidently there with QPR, giving the Reading man all the more reason to join.