QPR face an uphill battle to convince Troyes striker Ike Ugbo to choose Marti Cifuentes’ project in London over Sheffield Wednesday in any potential transfer battle this summer.
That’s according to transfer specialist Darren Witcoop, who reports that the 25-year-old has made his mind up as to his preferred destination for next season. Witcoop names the Owls and the R’s as interested parties, along with Stoke City and League One side Birmingham City.
Ugbo is a name familiar to Championship supporters having spent the back end of last season on loan at Hillsborough after a short stay at Cardiff City during the first part of the campaign. The forward netted seven goals in 18 second tier outings for Sheffield Wednesday, playing a huge part in Danny Rohl’s miraculous relegation escape.
It’s no surprise that the player has turned heads and emerged as a target this summer. QPR in particular look to be in need of adding reinforcements up front after developments in recent weeks.
Sinclair Armstrong is currently negotiating a £2.5 million exit to either Bristol City or Stoke City while Lyndon Dykes has also emerged as a transfer target for Blackburn Rovers. Cifuentes does have Michael Frey at his disposal but the 29-year-old netted just once after joining the side in January.
Ugbo would certainly be an enticing option but, taking to social media platform X on Monday night, Witcoop wrote: “Ike Ugbo has made it clear that he wants a return to Sheffield Wednesday. But a deal with French side Troyes is not close. Stoke, QPR and Birmingham among the clubs also in the hunt for the Canadian striker. #swfc #scfc #QPR #bcfc”
