QPR duo set for moves to USA

QPR youngsters Niko Hamalainen and Giles Phillips are set to return to the United States on loan.

The Americans, both 21, were among the fringe players Rangers had lined up for loan moves well before January transfer window, as was Osman Kakay.

The likes of Paul Smyth, Sean Goss and Ilias Chair were also earmarked for loan moves and went to Accrington Stanley, St Johnstone and Stevenage respectively.

However, Rangers were unable to arrange a deal for right-back Kakay despite attempting to do so until the very final stages of the window.

It was hoped as the deadline approached that Kakay would join Port Vale or Newport County, but no move materialised.

His options will now be assessed, particularly in light of Angel Rangel’s expected return from injury, which is likely to push Kakay back down the pecking order.

But there is a firm plan in place for Hamalainen and Phillips, who are being lined up for moves to the MLS, where the transfer window opens later this month. A number of clubs are interested in them.

Florida-born Finland international Hamalainen (pictured), who turns 22 next month, has been with QPR since 2014 and has made six first-team appearances for the club.

Centre-back Phillips was signed in 2017 and is yet to make his senior debut.