QPR set to seal signing of highly-rated defender

QPR look set to seal the signing of promising Hearts defender Rocco Friel.

West London Sport reported in April that Friel, 17, was a summer transfer target for the R’s.

And it appears the switch is now close, with the Daily Record reporting that Friel is discussing a move to Loftus Road.


The right-back’s contract at Hearts expires this summer and he has rejected offers of a new deal.

Friel, a Scotland Under-17 international, can also play in midfield.

He began his career at Rangers before leaving the Glasgow club to join Hearts in 2021.

His performances for Hearts’ B team have been impressive, attracting attention from English clubs including Derby County and Leicester City.

But QPR appear to have won the race to sign him and Friel seems like a useful addition to their squad.

Jimmy Dunne, previously a centre-back, played at right-back under boss Marti Cifuentes during the second half of the season, while Reggie Cannon is another option for the Spaniard.

There is a place for a back-up right-back in the squad as the long-serving Osman Kakay is among the players QPR have parted with this summer.

Kakay was released at the end of his contract, having fallen down the pecking order under Cifuentes.