Mark Warburton says QPR will only bring a centre-back in if the right loan move for Conor Masterson can be arranged.
Rangers are keen to add an experienced left-sided defender to their squad and loan Masterson out in order for him to get more experience.
Enquiries have been made about several players, including Fulham’s Michael Hector and Cardiff’s Aden Flint.
However, a number of Championship clubs have shown an interest in Hector since he was left out of the Fulham side, while a deal to sign Flint looked unlikely on the eve of the transfer deadline.
Other potential options are being considered, but Rangers manager Warburton first wants to be sure that Masterson would benefit more from going elsewhere than remaining a back-up centre-back at QPR.
“We’re looking for one more if the right deal can be done. A lot of work is going on right now to secure one more,” Warburton said.
“We want to get one or two of our young talents out to keep them developing as well. It sounds great to have them on the bench but we want to make sure they keep playing and keep developing, which is vital for them.
“It (a new signing) depends on what’s available and the financials but also if we get the right opportunity for one of our young ones to go out as well.
“We are looking for one more but it will only happen if we get the right situation for one of our players and then the right player that adds the quality we’re looking for.”
Rangers are also keen for either Joe Lumley or Liam Kelly to go out on loan, but so far there have been no approaches yet for either goalkeeper.
As of Wednesday afternoon there had also been so sign of firm interest in Bright Osayi-Samuel nor Ryan Manning, despite the longstanding uncertainty over their futures.
But there has been no shortage of interest in Masterson and Paul Smyth.
Charlton lead queue of clubs keen on Smyth, who is available for another loan move following Rangers’ recent signings of Macauley Bonne - from Charlton - Albert Adomah and Chris Willock.
And QPR have received plenty of enquiries about Masterson.
“We have, certainly,” said Warburton, who wants assurances that the Irishman will play regularly before a final decision is taken on where he moves.
Otherwise, Warburton insists, Masterson will remain part of QPR’s squad.
“We want him to play at the highest level we can, obviously. But it’s not all about the highest.
“We want him to go somewhere he’s going to go and play. You see these guys going to big clubs and they sit on the bench. He could stay here and sit on the bench.
“So it’s about making sure the conversation (with prospective clubs) is good and the development pathway is mapped out for the player concerned.
“I hope very much that he gets that opportunity at the highest level possible.
“I hope very much we can get him the right one. If not, no problem at all, because we know Conor and his ability. But we hope very much to continue his development.
“If we can get the right one for him, all well and good. If not, no problem at all.”