QPR and Millwall in €1m transfer battle for 7-assist full-back | OneFootball

The London rivals are facing another battle for a highly-rated French defender

Queens Park Rangers and Millwall certainly had contrasting overall fortunes throughout the majority of the 2025/26 Championship season, although the campaign ended with both remaining in English football's second tier.

Both clubs have endured lengthy periods outside the top-flight, but it was the Lions who, ultimately, fell short of achieving a first promotion to the elite since it became the Premier League 34 years ago, despite a remarkable first full term at The Den for Alex Neil.

Indeed, the outfit from the south of the River Thames have earned plenty of plaudits for the way in which they have gone about their business, both on and off the pitch, due to the large relative success enjoyed in SE16 as a result.

In recent times, Millwall have looked to drift away from a previously long-lasting stereotype of being a 'direct' and 'physical' side, with last season's third-placed finishers playing some extremely neat football along the way, despite their shortcomings at the end of the promotion race.

Rangers, meanwhile, have still failed to trouble the Championship's top sides since their last relegation from the Premier League in 2014/15, with Julien Stephan set to embark on his second term at Loftus Road having been appointed last August.

Many were encouraged by the signings made by the 45-year-old in West London last summer, in particular, the likes of Amadou Mbengue, Richard Kone and Rumarn Burrell - all of whom were recruited from League One.

However, the Hoops failed in their search for consistency, leaving Stephan and his staff to think again in the off-season, and with the summer transfer window just days away from opening, the London rivals are reportedly locked in a transfer battle.

Queens Park Rangers and Millwall in €1m transfer race for Rodez AF's Nolan Galves

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The aforementioned Stephan, of course, is no stranger to highly-rated talent in his native France, having helped aid the development of the likes of Ousmane Dembélé and Desire Doue during his spells with Stade Rennais - with both players winning back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles with Paris Saint-Germain, and representing 'Les Bleus' on the World Cup stage this summer.

Such links and pedigree were one of the reasons his initial appointment in W12 was met with excitement, and as Rangers look to build on a 15th-placed finish and a poor end to the season, they appear to already be plotting inroads into the continental transfer market.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, via X, they are looking to acquire the services of Rodez AF full-back, Nolan Galves, along with Millwall, ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

That said, it is reportedly the Lions who have made the first move, submitting an offer to the Ligue 2 side, although it remains to be seen if such a bid will be accepted at this stage.

Rodez AF finished their domestic campaign in the play-off system, but missed out on a potential promotion to Ligue 1 after losing 7-6 on penalties to Saint-Étienne in the first round, before their divisional counterparts lost out to OGC Nice in the promotion / relegation final.

Tavolieri claims that the Occitania-based club are demanding €1m (£863,000) for the 22-year-old's services.

Nolan Galves could be a potential gem for Queens Park Rangers or Millwall

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Despite still being in the early stages of his career, Galves has already amassed 67 appearances in Ligue 2, previously plying his trade for FC Sochaux, and would hope to continue such a positive trajectory if one of QPR or Millwall were to successfully court his signature.

Seven of his 10 league assists also came last season, showcasing an ability to help create on top of performing his usual defensive duties, which could help either club source a gem.

second-highest in the Lions' ranks behind star winger, Femi Azeez.