The former Sheffield Wednesday striker appears set to return to the Championship.
QPR appear to be out of the transfer race for Troyes striker Ike Ugbo this summer, as Championship rivals Sunderland ‘close in’ on a move for the star.
The R’s have previously been named as one of the clubs interested in signing the 25-year-old, with recently relegated Birmingham City also linked. Sheffield Wednesday are another club still interested in signing the player, who spent the latter part of last season at Hillsborough but has since fallen behind the Black Cats.
The Star reports that Sheffield Wednesday’s initial bid for Ugbo was turned down in recent weeks. Talks have persisted since then, with a £2.5 million sum being touted as sufficient for the French club to approve a transfer. However, that price tag has benefited Sunderland, who are now on the verge of completing a major transfer.
Ugbo impressed at Sheffield Wednesday last season, netting seven goals in the Championship to help the club avoid relegation. The talisman has been practicing away from Troyes this preseason in preparation for a possible departure.
Marti Cifuentes knew he needed to add firepower to his team this summer, but QPR has already done so elsewhere after being connected with Ugbo. Zan Celar arrived at Loftus Road from Lugano, Switzerland.
That move follows Sinclair Armstrong’s £2.5 million sale to Bristol City. Scottish international Lyndon Dykes has also been identified as a potential transfer target for Blackburn Rovers and Rangers.
Cifuentes also has Michael Frey at his disposal, although the 30-year-old has been far from prolific for the club since his arrival in January. The striker scored just one goal in nine games before being sidelined with an ankle ailment.
