QPR backed to beat Blackburn to 'proper box-to-box' midfielder | OneFootball

QPR have been urged to make a move for one of Oxford United's 'excellent' star players by taking advantage of their financial situation this summer...

Queens Park Rangers are among the clubs keen on Oxford United midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker following their relegation from the Championship to League One.

The Oxford United situation currently is that they are under a temporary registration embargo. This decision follows regulations under the EFL's Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) and is impacting their ability to complete transfer deals.

The sale of a star player could help ease their concerns, with Blackburn Rover and Queens Park Rangers potentially being two possible answers to selling Brian De Keersmaecker this summer, albeit there are others in the mix.

Serie A sides, Bundesliga teams, Blackburn and QPR all want Oxford's De Keersmaecker, with the 26-year-old making 28 appearances for his current side last term. He registered two goals and five assists in that time.

The verdict on Brian De Keersmaecker and Nicolas Madsen in QPR's midfield

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We asked FLW's QPR fan pundit Louis Moir about the fact his side are one of the clubs linked with De Keersmaecker. The U’s did get relegated last season but De Keersmaecker was one of their shining lights.

We asked if the R’s need a new midfielder and if the Belgian would fit the bill for the right price? Oxford, though, say they won’t be selling anyone despite being under a registration embargo.

He said: "I really, really like him as a player. I rate him highly. He was a real standout for Oxford despite them going down.

"He's proper box-to-box, he's had that experience of playing in the Championship, and he's a really good age. He's got a lot of quality as well.

"And look, our midfield has probably needed a revamp for quite a while. [Nicolas] Madsen obviously being the best one at the club. We've sold Sam Field, [Isaac] Hayden has gone, [Jonathan] Varane could easily go — there's been big interest in him.

"Kieran Morgan needs a loan, so that could happen. Really, we could be looking at potentially signing two-to-three midfielders. And Brian De Keersmaecker would be excellent. Absolutely excellent.

"You want players like that in your midfield. With Madsen, potentially signing him as well, and then signing someone with a bit more physicality? You know, that would have a blend, a proper blend, of physicality and quality.

"A real mix of that and creative ability with Madsen. De Keersmaecker is so box-to-box that he can do many things. I just really rate him. I properly rate him highly. If we manage to get him and beat what seems to be a load of clubs to him, then what a piece of business that is.

"Obviously, Oxford there could potentially be a deal to be done where you don't spend as much as what he is truly valued at, with their [financial] situation.

"Yeah, he would just be a top signing. He's shown his quality, very consistent, and just overall a top player. Sometimes we play two midfielders but sometimes we may play three.

"You add him next to Madsen and someone else, and there's two or three of them playing, and you swap it around. That's class. That's a top signing."

What QPR need next in the transfer market

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Undoubtedly, De Keersmaecker looks like exactly the sort of signing QPR should be targeting this summer. Julien Stephan's side already possess an exciting pool of attacking talent capable of troubling most Championship defences, while the goalkeeping department appears to have been strengthened now.

That was a huge problem area but the arrivals of Pierce Charles and Calum Ward should address their immediate concerns. Instead, the priority now should be reinforcing the spine of the team. The Oxford ace would add energy, composure, and defensive discipline at the base of midfield, providing a platform for QPR's more exciting players to flourish.

If the R's can also bring in another commanding, high-quality centre-back to add greater steel and consistency, they are not a million miles away from challenging for the top eight. In a Championship where fine margins often decide the play-off race, improving those two areas could make all the difference.

Tariq Lamptey and Boy Kemper should add something to the full-back area but there is more needed in their spine. It's been a solid start to the window thus far, though. A loan or two could perhaps also move the needle, but they have plenty of time to secure the remaining additions required.