Warburton confirms interest in QPR defender Masterson
Mark Warburton has confirmed that clubs have been showing an interest in taking QPR defender Conor Masterson on loan.
West London Sport revealed last month that Masterson was being lined up for another loan move – and subsequently revealed that a number of clubs have recently indicated that they are keen on him.
“There’s interest in Conor,” said Warburton.
“He’s done well for us at Championship level and if he goes out on loan it’s got to be the right move for his development.
“Clubs are well aware of Conor. Les (Ferdinand) will work on the right move.
“It has to be right – you don’t just send a player out willy-nilly. You have to make sure it’ll be right for his career development path.
“If that opportunity arises for Conor then we’ll take it. If not then we’re very happy to have him here.”
Masterson, who turns 23 next month, joined Swindon in January in a loan move Rangers manager 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.
