The rumours that Middlesbrough are interested in signing Luke Freeman is a gut-punch to QPR fans.

Tony Pulis is reportedly interested in securing some creative talent up front and the 26-year-old is a thoroughly enticing prospect. However, if QPR are to have a successful 2018/19 season, they cannot afford to let him go.

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Freeman had an outstanding 2017/18 season. Aside from banging in five goals, the midfielder provided 13 assists, behind only Barry Douglas and Robert Snodgrass. It was representative of a season that saw him be a constant thorn in opposing sides: he recorded 2.4 shots per game, 2.4 key passes per game, and 3.0 dribbles per game. This dynamism was crucial in ensuring that an otherwise lacklustre team did not find themselves in a relegation scrap. It will be difficult to see them improving on last season without his presence.

If Freeman does go, Steve McClaren will be hard-pushed to find a replacement before the window closes on Thursday. This will be severely exacerbated by the constraint created by the financial situation at the club.

With a need to pay £17 million and convert £21.975 million of loans into equity as well as the ceasing of parachute payments, funds simply are not available. On this front, it may be that such a deal comes for Freeman that the club has no financial option to take.

However, until that happens, the club should hold onto him for dear life. He could be the difference between survival or facing the perils of League One.