Championship side Queens Park Rangers appear to have beaten off Premier League opposition to sign Linfield teenager Paul Smyth.
Queens Park Rangers have hardly been the busiest of sides in the summer transfer window. So far, they have not spent a penny with Josh Scowen, Alex Baptiste and 19-year-old midfielder Charlie Owens arriving on free transfers from Barnsley, Middlesbrough and Tottenham respectively.
However, that could be about to change with the Belfast Telegraph reporting that QPR are close to agreeing a deal to sign Linfield’s 19-year-old winger Paul Smyth.
The teenager is reportedly very highly regarded by the Loftus Road club, though their initial offer had been turned down by the NIFL Premiership side.
Yet, the report adds that QPR have not given up the ghost and are close to meeting Linfield’s valuation, reported to be a six-figure sum, and they are eager to get the deal over the line as soon as possible with the transfer window slamming shut in just over a week.
Smyth, one of the most talented young players in Irish football, is on the radar of a number of English clubs and Linfield have made it clear that they will not stand in his way of a potentially career-changing move into the professional game.
The Belfast Telegraph reported earlier this month that Premier League giants Everton and Newcastle United, plus second tier clubs like Sunderland, Sheffield United and Birmingham City, were all interested after Smyth netted an impressive eight goals in 15 league games last season.
Therefore, it appears that QPR are close to pulling out quite the coup.
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