Exclusive: QPR backed to secure Reading FC transfer - he'd be a "great addition" | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on QPR's interest in Reading FC defender Amadou Mbengue

Lee Hendrie believes that a deal for Amadou Mbengue from Reading could be a good deal for QPR.

According to West London Sport, the Hoops are eyeing a deal for the centre-back, who is out of contract at the end of this month.

A small compensation fee will still be owed to the Royals due to the player being under the age of 24, but it will still otherwise be a relatively low cost deal to complete.

Mbengue, 23, has spent three seasons with the Berkshire outfit, making 97 appearances for the club in that time, but could now be set to walk away a move up to the Championship side.

Lee Hendrie makes Mbengue to QPR claim

Hendrie believes Mbengue could be the kind of signing QPR need to make this summer in order to continue their rise in competitive level.

He’s claimed that the defender would be a great addition to the squad after his performances for Reading last season.

“I think, again, the way QPR went about using a lot of their younger players and I think the season they had last season they showed they were capable of competing compared to previous seasons,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“So I do think, yes, bringing players in defensively is a good idea, I don’t think they’ve got the budget to go and throw big money at players at this moment in time.

“So I do feel bringing players in at right fees where they’re not going all out is a must for them.

“And I think he’d be a great addition to QPR.”

Reading narrowly missed out on a play-off place last season despite uncertainty behind the scenes surrounding the club, while QPR finished 15th in the Championship under Martí Cifuentes.

Mbengue signing could be good business for QPR

Given the potential cost of the deal, this could be a really smart piece of business for QPR this summer.

It has been reported that Julien Stephan will be appointed as the next head coach, and defensive reinforcements will be needed if they are to improve on last year’s 15th place finish.

Mbengue has performed well in League One, and already has Championship experience from his time with the Royals.

If QPR aren’t going to be able to compete in the transfer market as well as some of their rivals in the division, including even those who have come up from League One, then it’s smart moves like this that could help keep them competitive.