QPR handed big Jonathan Varane boost as club choose Middlesbrough player instead | OneFootball

QPR are set to benefit from Middlesbrough's latest transfer business

QPR have been handed a boost regarding Jonathan Varane’s future as Saint-Étienne are closing in on a deal for Middlesbrough’s Abdoulaye Kanté.

According to French outlet Peuple-Vert, the midfielder is set for an exit from the Teesside outfit ahead of Monday’s 7pm transfer deadline.

The 20-year-old made the switch to the Riverside last summer from Troyes, but he has struggled for game time in the Championship.

He has made just four appearances for Boro in the league, and has yet to feature under current manager Kim Hellberg.

Kanté’s most recent game for Middlesbrough came on 30 September when he came off the bench for the final minutes of a 0-0 draw with Stoke City.

QPR receive Jonathan Varane boost from Middlesbrough

It has been reported that Saint-Étienne are in advanced negotiations with Middlesbrough to sign Kanté this January.

It’s expected that the midfielder will make the switch back to French football just months after signing for Boro.

This will come as a boost for QPR, who previously turned down interest from the Ligue 1 side for Varane.

The French club have moved onto other targets, as they seek a deal with Middlesbrough for the out of favour Kanté.

Varane has been an important part of Julien Stéphan’s side so far this season, and their chances of holding onto the 24-year-old should now be improved.

The midfielder has made 23 appearances for the Hoops in this campaign, with the team sitting 12th in the Championship table.

The London outfit’s sights will be set on earning a top six finish, with Stéphan’s team currently four points adrift of the play-offs.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough are in the mix for automatic promotion and are second in the standings after 29 games played.

Hellberg’s side are five points clear of third place Ipswich Town, albeit having played one more time than their rivals.

Abdoulaye Kanté signing hasn’t worked out for anyone involved

Kanté originally signed in the summer with the hopes that he could become an important part of the side in the long run, but he’s not been featured in months.

It’s clear that he’s not part of Hellberg’s first team plans, so it’s not surprising that Middlesbrough are already potentially cashing in.

It will come as a big boost for QPR to avoid the sale of Varane, as he has become an important part of Stéphan’s side.

Being able to hold onto the likes of the Frenchman will be key to the club being able to sustain a possible play-off push this season.