QPR face new Wrexham threat in race to sign talented star | OneFootball

QPR want to sign Pierce Charles on loan after he signs for Manchester City, but face competition from Wrexham

It seems only a matter of time before Pierce Charles returns to Manchester City from Sheffield Wednesday, but his next destination seems a little more unclear.

It was reported on Wednesday that the deal to send the Northern Irish shot-stopper back to the club he began his youth career with was in the final stages, putting an end to any hopeful Owls supporters who would have wanted the 20-year-old to help kickstart their new era this season.

The move could result in the biggest sale in the South Yorkshire side's history, with bonuses and add-ons taking the overall fee to somewhere in the region of £10 million, but only time will tell whether they'll come to fruition.

Charles is expected to be loaned out immediately after making the move back to the Etihad Stadium, with regular minutes far from a guarantee for the Premier League giants. It was reported on Tuesday by Simon Jones that QPR were among the frontrunners to complete a deal.

But, with the 20-year-old coming off the back of a breakout season for a struggling Wednesday side, there'd no doubt be other suitors, and the Hoops may be set for a battle to land the promising shot-stopper for the season.

Wrexham enter Pierce Charles race

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According to West London Sport, QPR are hoping to secure the arrival of Charles on loan once his move to Manchester City is finalised, but they face late competition from divisional rivals Wrexham for his signature.

The Hoops are close to offloading their fourth senior keeper from last season. Paul Nardi and Ben Hamer were released at the end of their contracts; Joe Walsh has signed with Wigan Athletic on loan for the season, and Murphy Cooper is closing in on a switch to Plymouth Argyle.

It signals a real changing of the guard at Loftus Road in between the sticks this summer, and West London Sport states that Julien Stephan's side have been interested in Charles for a long time now.

But another side who are likely on the hunt for a goalkeeper upgrade this summer are Wrexham, who are keen to push on after their seventh-placed finish in their first season back in the second tier last term.

Phil Parkinson's side conceded the sixth-most goals in the Championship last year, which was detrimental to them landing in the play-offs. Neither Danny Ward nor Arthur Okonkwo had standout years, and with the latter linked with Leicester City earlier this summer, perhaps the Red Dragons aren't content with their current keeper core.

Despite playing just 19 times in league action last season, Charles was responsible for half of Wednesday's four clean sheets, averaging over four saves per game. He twice made 11 saves in one match, both against Leicester.

Pierce Charles would be a major coup for Wrexham

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Charles is highly touted to be amongst the best goalkeepers in the Championship next season if he can stay injury-free, so for any side to land him would result in a big boost towards their ultimate goal for next May.

For QPR, that may be to make an outside run into the top eight, while Wrexham will be aiming to at least maintain last season's position, but ideally go even further.

A few Wrexham fans have sounded their support for the reports online, with one stating that they'd be a "big fan" of the move, "if Arthur was unfortunately to leave." Another added, "I would welcome this!"

To take Charles off the fingertips of QPR would be a massive deal, too, and reinforce their status as one of the top sides in the division, as it would indicate that Manchester City view Phil Parkinson's side as one where their exciting youngsters can thrive.

The 20-year-old will be out to prove to Manchester City that he has the potential to be the first-choice at the Etihad, and only time will tell which Championship outfit Enzo Maresca believes will give him the best chance to do so.