‘Talks ongoing’ over deal for QPR keeper Lumley

Mark Warburton admits he and Joe Lumley “had words” recently but says talks are still “ongoing” about a new contract for the QPR goalkeeper.

Lumley started the season as first choice keeper but after a poor display in a 3-2 defeat at Coventry on the back of a patchy 2019/20 season, he lost his place to Seny Dieng.

Dieng, who signed a four-year contract at the start of the season, has enjoyed a fantastic first full campaign, but Rangers are still keen to tie down Lumley, whose contract expires next month, to a new deal rather than see him walk away on a free transfer.

Senegal international Dieng is likely to miss at least a month of action early next year due to his nation’s involvement in the rescheduled African Cup of Nations which will take place in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6.

Liam Kelly is on loan at Motherwell and Lumley, who spent brief spells on loan at Doncaster and Gillingham this season, has stalled over signing a new contract.

Lumley produced an outstanding display in the 2-1 win at Middlesbrough after Dieng was sent off.

Lumley then played well again in the 1-0 victory at Swansea.

Despite those performances, Dieng was immediately restored to the starting line-up for the defeat by Norwich, with youngster Joe Walsh named on the bench instead of Lumley.

“We had a few words behind closed doors and what was said remains behind closed doors,” R’s boss Warburton said.

“There are talks ongoing and I have said before that Joe is a man that I have enormous respect for as a goalkeeper and as a person.

“We had a few words and I made the decision I made.

“But the fact is I have amazing respect for Joe Lumley. He is a top-class goalkeeper and talks are ongoing and let’s see what happens in the coming days.”