QPR Aim to Secure Defender on Permanent Basis
Queens Park Rangers are preparing to make defender Rhys Norrington-Davies's loan move from Sheffield United a permanent arrangement next summer. The Welsh international has become an indispensable figure at Loftus Road since his summer arrival, amassing 783 minutes of Championship football and filling a critical void in Julien Stephan's squad.
Solving QPR's Defensive Crisis
The R's found themselves in a precarious situation at left-back during the summer transfer window. The departure of Kenneth Paal, Harrison Ashby's return to Newcastle United, and a season-ending ACL injury to Ziyad Larkeche created what manager Stephan described as a 'small nightmare' in the position. Norrington-Davies, deemed surplus to requirements at his parent club, was identified as the solution and has proven to be a loan success.
According to reports from SportsBoom, the West London club now 'want' to table a transfer bid and are 'confident' that a deal can be negotiated with Sheffield United. The 25-year-old's consistent performances have made him a priority for the long-term project under Stephan.
Stephan's Praise for 'Reliable' Performer
Speaking after his side's 0-0 draw with Sheffield United earlier this month—a match Norrington-Davies missed due to loan agreement rules—the QPR manager was effusive in his praise. "He's a very dynamic player," Stephan stated. "He has started very well with us... he was probably the best player on the pitch" in games against Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford.
Despite a minor calf injury that interrupted his progress, Stephan highlighted the defender's strong return to form. "His last game against Southampton on Wednesday was very good and we found again the same Rhys from before the injury," he added. The manager specifically valued his player's reliability and dual threat, noting, "He's able to win a one-v-one defensively and he's able to run offensively as well... He's a reliable player, both offensively and defensively."
Blackburn's Injury Setback Ahead of Six-Pointer
The news comes as Rovers host QPR in a crucial Championship six-pointer at Ewood Park on Wednesday night. In a significant blow for the home side, head coach Valerian Ismael will not receive the expected return of club captain Todd Cantwell.
The former Norwich City attacker, who boasts 45 Premier League appearances and six top-flight goals, has been absent for Blackburn's last seven league matches. While initial reports suggested a potential return for the QPR fixture, the Lancashire Telegraph has confirmed that the 27-year-old will not feature.
Ismael's selection problems are compounded by the absence of Sondre Tronstad, who is sidelined for a couple of weeks with an ankle injury sustained during the match against Preston North End. "Unfortunately, we lost Sonny in the game against Preston after an amazing performance," Ismael said. "He has a problem with his ankle which will take a couple of weeks. It's not a bad injury but a couple of weeks in the Championship means four games. We have to deal with that situation."
The midfield absence places additional pressure on a Blackburn side looking to secure vital points in their campaign, making the encounter with an in-form QPR even more pivotal.
