QPR transfer pressure as Leeds United dealt £11m blow

QPR confirmed that the club had activated an extension clause in the contract of talented young striker Sinclair Armstrong on Wednesday morning.

That news was welcomed by supporters online but there are still fears a short-term extension does not mean the 20-year-old won't attract transfer interest this summer.

Here's your Wednesday Championship round-up featuring QPR, Watford and Leeds United.

QPR face competition for winger

QPR will have to see off competition from Bundesliga.2 side Nürnberg if they are to bring Beerschot winger Thibaud Verlinden to Loftus Road this summer.

The R's were linked with the midfielder early last month with the 24-year-old's versatility to play on either flank making him seem an ideal acquisition with question marks over the futures of Ilias Chair and Chris Willock. Now, Nieuwsblad reports that Nürnberg have joined the race for the player along with  Schalke and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Verlinden bagged 10 goals and five assists last season and has just one year left on his deal with the Belgian side. He has been offered a new and improved contract at Beerschot.

The player could be available for around €500,000 (£427,000) and has previous Championship experience having started his career at Stoke City and also spending time on loan at Bolton Wanderers.

Premier League interest in Watford hotshot

Manchester United and Brighton are believed to hold interest in Watford winger Yaser Asprilla with the 20-year-old hotshot tipped for a potential summer exit from Vicarage Road.

Spanish reporter Guillermo Arango namechecks the two Premier League clubs alongside Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Bologna, Real Betis and Real Sociedad in a longlist of potential suitors for the player.

Watford are said to want £30 million for Asprilla, who made 44 appearances in the Championship last season, picking up six goals and seven assists as he was named Young Player of the Season.

Ipswich Town rival Leeds United for transfer priority

Having already pipped Leeds United to the automatic promotion spots in the Championship, Ipswich Town could deal the Yorkshire club another blow in their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon.

The player enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Whites last season and bringing him back to Elland Road is said to be a priority for Daniel Farke. However, Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold now reports that Leeds United have competition from Ipswich Town for his signature.

Kieran McKenna is said to be a big fan of the player, who joined Spurs for £11 million in Swansea City in 2020. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce are touted as another potential destination with Jose Mourinho also fond of the player, having worked with him at Spurs.