Queens Park Rangers are reportedly in the race to sign Portsmouth striker Conor Chaplin, along with Bournemouth, Ipswich Town and Fulham.
Conor Chaplin celebrates after scoring the second goal for Portsmouth
According to The Sun, Queens Park Rangers are one of three Championship clubs prepared to battle Bournemouth for the signature of Portsmouth striker Conor Chaplin.
QPR only appointed former boss Ian Holloway a week ago, and the transfer window is still over a month away, but the R’s are already being linked with a move for a young talent.
The Sun report that QPR are interested in signing Portsmouth attacker Conor Chaplin, though they face competition from Championship rivals Fulham and Ipswich Town, as well as Premier League outfit Bournemouth.
Chaplin, 19, has come up through the ranks at Fratton Park having joined the club at the age of just six, and he’s been one of Pompey’s star players since the beginning of last season.
Conor Chaplin of Portsmouth celebrates after scoring
The diminutive striker – who stands at just 5ft 6in tall – hit 11 goals in all competitions last season, and has already grabbed five goals this term, and it’s no surprise to see teams take an interest in the teenager.
QPR are believed to be keen, though a move to the Premier League with nearby Bournemouth may be too good to turn down for Chaplin, especially given Eddie Howe’s record with young players.
Portsmouth’s Conor Chaplin in action with Leyton Orient’s Tom Parkes
It’s unclear just how much Chaplin would cost, as Portsmouth allegedly don’t want to sell their star striker, and see him as a vital part of their future as they look to make their way back up the leagues.
With Chaplin only signing a new contract with Pompey until 2019 back in October, Portsmouth’s asking price may have increased even higher, and they’d be wise to include a loan-back givin that they’re just three points off an automatic promotion spot in League Two.
Would you like to see QPR sign Chaplin?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
