HITC Sport understands QPR are set to beat Sunderland to Middlesbrough defender Alex Baptiste.
Queens Park Rangers are closing in on the signing of Middlesbrough defender Alex Baptiste, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.
Middlesbrough are willing to ler Baptiste leave with the defender well down the pecking order in Garry Monk’s first-team plans at the Riverside.
Baptiste was not even named in Boro’s matchday squad for the opening day defeat to Wolves and the summer arrival of Cyrus Christie has increased competition for places.
Glenn Murray of Brighton & Hove Albion battles for the ball with Alex Baptiste of Preston North End
Baptiste spent most of last season out on loan at Preston and Sunderland boss Simon Grayson, who signed him for Preston, was keen to be reunited with him at the Stadium of Light.
However, QPR have moved quickly to agree a deal with Baptiste and the defender is set to make the switch to Loftus Road.
QPR boss Ian Holloway is a huge admirer of Baptiste with the pair having worked together at Blackpool when they won promotion to the Premier League.
Baptiste is keen to move on in search of regular first-team football after seeing injury interupt his progress at Middlesbrough.
Holloway sees Baptiste’s experience and versatility as being a key addition to his plans at QPR as they look to build on their opening day win over promotion hopefuls Reading.
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