QPR reject approaches for Masterson

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QPR have rejected approaches for Conor Masterson.

A number of clubs have expressed an interest in taking the Irish defender on loan.

But Mick Beale wants Masterson to stay at Loftus Road – partly because the R’s boss plans to deploy a back three at some stage, despite starting the season with a back four.


The same applies to Joe Gubbins, who like Masterson is behind Rob Dickie, Jimmy Dunne and summer signing Jake Clarke-Salter in the pecking order of centre-backs.

Beale, who previously coached Masterson at Liverpool, explained: “We have three what I would call ‘mini experienced’ centre-halves – I wouldn’t call them experienced centre-halves at their age, but they’re very, very good.

“At some stage I will play with a back three, and therefore I need four and five (centre-backs) in the building.

“I’ve known Conor since Liverpool. There’s been interest in Conor but I want to keep Conor in and around the squad.

“The same with Joe Gubbins – he’s a player that I like a lot. He’s got a terrific left foot and I think that every day he trains alongside Jake, Rob and Jimmy will nudge him on.”

There is also a financial factor in the decision not to rush into loan deals for either Masterson or Gubbins.

Rangers have told interested clubs they want the salaries of their players paid in full if they are to let them go.

“People have got to pay the full salaries,” Beale said.

“People come to ask for players on loan from QPR and want to pay 25% of the salary the players are earning.

“In that case, I’d rather the player be inside our building and helping us, especially with five subs this year, and we all know how much it bit the club last year when we had injuries.”