Queens Park Rangers are interested in making a potential permanent move for Southampton winger Josh Sims, with the Saints prepared to cash in on him during the January transfer window, as reported by Football Insider.
Sims has spent most of the first half of the season out on loan with League One side Doncaster Rovers, and the 23-year-old has been an instrumental figure in helping to establish the Yorkshire club among the promotion contenders in the third tier. The winger has so far registered one goal and six assists in his 12 league appearances for the Dons (Sofascore).
The 23-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by Ralph Hasenhuttl again last summer after he had spent time out on loan with MLS side New York Red Bulls and the manager has no intention to include him in his first teasm plans. Sims is now entering the final few months of his existing deal at St Mary’s and Southampton are open to selling him this month in order to get some funds for him rather than losing him for nothing next summer, per Football Insider.
QPR have turned their attentions towards Sims and they are keen to ensure that any move for him is a permanent one rather than another loan deal, per Football Insider. That means Hasenhuttl’s side could potentially manage to recoup some funds which could be added to their transfer budget this month.
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Sims’ long-term future always seemed likely to lie away from Southampton. That is something of a shame considering he displayed some very promising signs when he first burst onto the scene during the 2016/17 season under Claude Puel after stepping up from the Saints’ academy ranks. However, the 23-year-old was never able to fully establish himself as a Premier League player, making just 20 appearances at that level.
Southampton’s prospects of getting a significant transfer fee for him seemed slim considering he was only able to move to League One on loan in the summer. However, his performances for Doncaster have caught the eye and he has averaged 2.2 key passes and 0.8 shots per game for Rovers (Sofascore).
Such form suggests that a move to the Championship has been well-earned and QPR have a good reputation for developing young talents such as Bright Osayi-Samuel and Eberechi Eze. Therefore, it seems an ideal destination for him and a move this month would seem beneficial for all parties.
