Clubs show interest in QPR defender Masterson

A number of clubs have expressed an interest in taking Conor Masterson on loan from QPR.

Rangers are looking to send Masterson out on loan this month and a lack of initial interest in the 22-year-old defender was something of a surprise.

However, several clubs have indicated in the past few days that they are keen on him.

He joined Swindon in January in a loan move Rangers boss Mark Warburton regarded as vital for Masterson’s development.

But his time at the County Ground was cut short by a hamstring tear after he had made just five appearances for the Robins.

He has now recovered and Rangers are keen for him to play more first-team football.

Masterson has impressed when he has featured for QPR’s first team.

He has made 16 Championship appearances since arriving two years ago after being released by Liverpool.

However, he had not played any senior football prior to that move and Warburton has long believed that the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international needs a spell of regular game time.

Warburton has plenty options at centre-back, particularly after recently signing Jimmy Dunne, so Masterson is set to move elsewhere before the start of the new season.

So too is another centre-back, Joe Gubbins, who was on loan at non-League Oxford City last season.

Midfielder Faysal Bettache and forward Ody Alfa are also among the QPR youngsters being lined up for loan moves.