QPR set to seal signing of highly-rated defender

QPR are likely to sign young Hearts defender Rocco Friel. West London Sport stated in April that Friel, 17, was a summer transfer target for the R’s. And it appears that the deal is almost complete, with the Daily Record stating that Friel is discussing a move to Loftus Road.

The right-back’s contract with Hearts expires this summer, and he has turned down offers for a new agreement.

Friel, a Scotland Under-17 international, can also play midfield. He began his career at Rangers before leaving the Glasgow club to join Hearts in 2021.

His performances for Hearts’ B squad have been impressive, drawing interest from English clubs like as Derby County and Leicester City.

However, QPR appear to have won the battle to sign him, and Friel appears to be a valuable addition to their roster.

Jimmy Dunne, a former centre-back, played right-back under manager Marti Cifuentes in the second half of the season, while Reggie Cannon is another possibility for the Spaniard.

There is room in the squad for a backup right-back, since long-serving Osman Kakay is one of the players released by QPR this summer.

Kakay was dismissed at the end of his contract after falling down the pecking order under Cifuentes.