QPR set to loan keeper Kelly to Motherwell

Goalkeeper Liam Kelly is set to join Motherwell on loan from QPR for the rest of the campaign.

Kelly, 24, has not made a first-team appearance this season, with the Scot and Joe Lumley both having been leapfrogged by Seny Dieng, who is now firmly established as Rangers’ first-choice keeper.

Both Kelly and Lumley were made available for loan moves during the previous transfer window.

No offers were received for them but Lumley subsequently joined Doncaster on an emergency loan and talks have been taking place about a potential deal for him to stay with the Yorkshire club.

Lumley’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, while Kelly is under contract until 2023.

Kelly was signed by Mark Warburton from Livingston in 2019.

Manager Warburton would like him to stay at Rangers as cover for Dieng, but Kelly has made it clear he wants to play first-team football.

QPR have recalled keeper Dillon Barnes from a season-long loan at Hibernian, largely because of his lack of game time since joining the Edinburgh club.

Other loan options have been considered for Barnes, but he might be needed as cover for Dieng now Motherwell have come in for Kelly and given the uncertainty over Lumley’s future.

For some time Rangers have been open to offers for Lumley but also minded to extend his contract in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his current deal ends.