QPR and Derby in a battle to sign Premier League free agent

Ex-Coventry midfielder Jamie Allen is at the centre of a transfer battle between QPR and Derby this summer.

That's according to Football League World, who exclusively revealed that the 31-year-old might remain in the second tier after achieving promotion to the Premier League as part of Frank Lampard's title-winning Coventry side.

Allen played 23 times for the Sky Blues last term but formed a key part of their squad across the last seven years, reaching a double-century of appearances on the final day of the season against Watford.

Allen was part of the Coventry side that lifted the League One title in 2020 but has not been offered a new deal as the club look to establish themselves as a first tier outfit.

"FLW [Football League World] understands that both Derby and QPR are chasing Allen's signature ahead of a potential swoop, with the midfielder left to assess the options on the table as he weighs up his next steps this summer," reported Jack Price.

The Derby hierarchy are certainly backing manager John Eustace amid reports that the Rams are aiming to secure the services of RB Salzburg midfielder Bobby Clark on a permanent deal worth £6m.

Under Eustace, Derby finished just four points shy of the playoffs last campaign and are trying to bridge the gap with an amped-up recruitment strategy this summer.

QPR have also made an impressive start to the window and are close to sealing a deal for NAC Breda full-back Boy Kemper on a three-year contract.

The Hoops finished a disappointing 15th under Julien Stephan but, like their Championship rivals, will be eyeing up a run to the newly-extended playoffs.

Before the conclusion of the last campaign, it was announced that their will be a further two playoff places up for grabs, therefore making an additional two places up for grabs for Premier League hopefuls.