Exclusive: QPR Target Bristol City Goalkeeper Max O’Leary in January Move

Queens Park Rangers are preparing a bid for Bristol City keeper Max O’Leary, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Robins’ stopper is desperate to be first choice after falling behind Manchester United loanee Radek Vitek at Ashton Gate.

Our sources understand Hoops’ boss Julien Stephan is eager to sign a number one this window after struggling to find a preferred option between the sticks this season.

And with the west London outfit aiming for a play-off spot this season, Stephan knows he needs to be confident in his shot stopper.

The Frenchman has used three keepers in the league this season with Paul Nardi, youngster Joe Walsh and experienced Ben Hamer, a free agent signing in September, all being tried.

QPR have, however, recently recalled young goalkeeper Murphy Cooper from his loan spell at Barnsley and while he may be handed an opportunity to stake a claim as the new number one, the Hoops would ideally prefer the experience of O’Leary between the posts.

O’Leary, 29, made his Republic of Ireland debut earlier this year during a friendly against Luxembourg and is well aware that sitting on the bench will not enhance his reputation for further international recognition. 

QPR are not the only Championship club in the race to sign the player with Blackburn Rovers, Derby County and Birmingham City also understood to be interested in the stopper.

On the way out

O’Leary, who has made five league appearances this term, is entering the final six months of his contract and the Robins will have to sell this month to ensure he does not leave for free in the summer.

With Vitek sidelined until February, it is unclear whether City will risk deputising Joe Lumley until the Red Devils’ loanee is back fit.

O’Leary was first choice under Liam Manning last season and kept  ten clean sheets in 49 appearances as the club reached the play-offs, losing 3-0 home and away to Sheffield United in the semi-finals.  

The youth product joined the club when he was ten and gone on to make over 175 appearances for the Robins since making his debut in 2016.

In other QPR news, the club are exploring the possibility of turning Welsh full-back Rhys Norrington-Davies’ current loan move from Sheffield United into a permanent deal.