QPR confirm signing of young keeper Walsh

QPR have confirmed the signing of teenage goalkeeper Joe Walsh from Gillingham.

West London Sport revealed this week that Walsh, 18, was being snapped up by Rangers, who see him as one for the future – similar to when the likes of Ebere Eze, Ilias Chair, Seny Dieng and more recently Charlie Kelman were brought in.

Walsh has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, with the club holding the option of an additional year. He will initially play for Rangers’ development side.

Manager Mark Warburton explained: “Joe’s a young one. We’ve got to look at our recruitment and make sure that we look to the future.

“The likes of Charlie Kelman coming in – those type of young players are very important to us to keep that production line working.”

In the short-term, Rangers priorities during this month’s transfer window were to bring in a centre-back, central midfielder and striker.

They have done so with the loan signings of Charlie Austin, Jordy de Wijs and Stefan Johansen – although Tom Carroll’s injury means they would like an additional midfielder.

Rangers have also been looking for a left-back and potentially a replacement for Bright Osayi-Samuel following his move to Fenerbahce.