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Barnsley bid for QPR defender Cole Kpekawa

Former Colchester United ace Cole Kpekawa in action (Reuters)
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HITC Sport understands that Barnsley have made a bid for Queens Park Rangers defender Cole Kpekawa.

Cole Kpekawa at PortsmouthCole Kpekawa at Portsmouth

Barnsley have made an offer for highly-rated Queens Park Rangers defender Cole Kpekawa, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Kpekwa has come through the ranks at QPR, having joined the London outfit at the age of eight.

The 20-year-old made his first-team debut in May 2015 after spells out on loan at Colchester United and Portsmouth.

Kpekwa had a three-month loan spell at Leyton Orient last season before returning to Loftus Road, and featured in four games for the Championship club at the back end of the campaign.

Former Colchester United ace Cole Kpekawa in actionCole Kpekawa in action for Colchester

The versatile defender, who can play at centre-back as well as at left-back, has found his first-team chances at QPR limited so far this season, with his only appearance coming as a late substitute in the EFL Cup win over Swindon Town.

The England Under-20 international is well down the pecking order in manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s plans and the club are open to offers for Kpekwa.

QPR manager Jimmy Floyd HasselbainkQPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

News of Kpekwa’s possible availability has alerted a number of clubs, but Barnsley are hoping to win the race for the defender’s signature.

Barnsley are in the market for defensive reinforcements after agreeing a deal to sell Alfie Mawson to Swansea, and Tykes boss Paul Heckingbottom is determined to bring in a replacement for Mawson.

Paul Heckingbottom manager of BarnsleyPaul Heckingbottom, manager of Barnsley