Middlebrough have made the first move in the chase for Derby County right-back Cyrus Christie, meaning Queens Park Rangers must act fast.
If Queens Park Rangers didn’t realise they were facing a battle to land Derby County right-back Cyrus Christie, they will now.
Derby are understood to be willing to sell Christie despite him being the club’s first-choice right-back ever since making the move from Coventry City in the summer of 2014.
Cyrus Christie looks to have been replaced at Derby
The signing of Andre Wisdom from Liverpool, and the fact that the 24-year-old has just a year remaining on his current contract, means he could be available for as little as £1.5 million, according to the Derby Telegraph.
Therefore, it can only be assumed that Boro’s offer fell below that benchmark. And QPR will know that they must act fast.
Act fast
Ian Holloway’s side, as well as last season’s losing play-off finalists Reading, have also been linked with a move for Christie. The Royals may be in need of a replacement for long-serving right-back Chris Gunter, whose £1m buyout clause has attracted attention from Leeds United, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Swansea City, per The Mirror.
However, QPR are crying out for reinforcements at right-back. The versatile James Perch was forced to fill in frequently last season due to the lack of options at Holloway’s disposal.
And the dynamic Christie, who is one of the Championship’s most effective attacking full-backs on his day, would certainly be a more natural addition to QPR’s back four.
Though with Middlesbrough making the first move, and demonstrating that they are prepared to pay big this summer, QPR face a substantial challenge.
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