Big breakthrough revealed in QPR, Julien Stephan talks | OneFootball

The R's are closing in on appointing a new manager.

Julien Stephan has reportedly agreed to become the new Queens Park Rangers boss.

It's nearly two months since Marti Cifuentes was put on gardening leave, putting the footballing future at Loftus Road in limbo.

He was a revelation for the Hoops during his spell with the club, but he looked for opportunities elsewhere, which is ultimately what led to his effective dismissal.

Names from across the spectrum have been linked with QPR since then. Former Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup was heavily linked but was reported to have turned the opportunity of a swift return to English football down. But it now appears that the R's have finally settled on their target.

Julien Stephan agrees deal to join QPR

Stephan is set to become the next first-team boss for QPR, according to French journalist Marc Mechenoua.

The former Stade Rennes and RC Strasbourg boss is said to have signed a two-year deal with the west London club. West London Sport have also said that there is an "agreement in principle" between the 44-year-old and QPR.

He has been out of work since November when he was sacked by Rennes.

Stephan had two stints with the Ligue 1 outfit between the end of 2018 and the end of 2024, plus a couple of coaching jobs in their youth setup. This is where he found the most success in his managerial career.

Stephan has only ever been a men's first-team boss in the French first division, but is keen to make the switch across the channel, according to Foot Mercato.

This opportunity will present him with a new challenge. He'll have to adapt to the English style and physicality, but it's certainly not without precedent that a new boss with no history of working in this country succeeds; just look at his predecessor.

Manager decision should kickstart QPR's summer

The appointment of Stephan, should it be confirmed, will open things up for QPR this summer. Negotiating with players that you want to sign, which they will be currently doing, is much harder when the talent doesn't know who may be leading them if they were to move to Loftus Road.

It could also help with keeping hold of some of their top players, like midfielder Jonathan Varane, who is reportedly wanted by Espanyol. They have made a £5 million bid for the 23-year-old, as per WLS.

With Stephan on board, QPR may be more likely to venture into the continental market for players, especially those from France. The 44-year-old should be able to bring a wealth of knowledge about these divisions and the top youngsters coming through, given his background in academy coaching.