QPR do not have to sell players – McClaren

Steve McClaren has insisted he does not need to sell players despite QPR’s Financial Fair Play dispute finally being settled.

Rangers, initially ordered to pay £42m fine, will instead pay £17m after reaching an agreement with the EFL following years of legal wrangling.

The fine plus the conversion of £22m of directors’ loans into equity has led to reports that Rangers must cough up around £40m and speculation that they could be forced to sell players.

Luke Freeman was linked with West Brom and Middlesbrough over the weekend and has since also been linked with Sheffield United.

However, the £17m fine will be paid over period of 10 years, will not be included as outgoings when calculating QPR’s future FFP limit, and is more than manageable for the club’s Malaysian owners.

Rangers manager McClaren has therefore been told he would not be under pressure to sell if any of his players attract interest. So far there has not been an approach for any member of his squad.

“Whatever news came out, it doesn’t change the situation we’re in,” McClaren said.

“It doesn’t change our plans in terms of we don’t have to sell players we don’t want to sell. We don’t have to do that.

“The owners are still right behind this football club – right behind taking it forward, despite the hurdles which people have put in front. They want to progress.”

Meanwhile, McClaren has confirmed that QPR defender Grant Hall is set to return to action this week.