Steve McClaren has emphasised that QPR fans should not expect a glut of activity in this transfer window as he is focusing on quality over quantity.

This is a promising development. However, it means that he will need any players who are brought in to perform well if they are to start pushing up the table. Crucially, this needs to happen at the back. One signing he could rely on would be Chelsea right-back Ola Aina.

The 21-year old enjoyed a break-out season on loan at Hull. Making 46 appearances, he established himself as a first-team regular and proved himself more than capable of handling the Championship. Putting in 2.3 tackles and 2 interceptions per game, he proved to be crucial in holding the Hull defence together. This was ultimately rewarded with a string of appearances for Nigeria.

Despite this, he is unlikely to feature for Chelsea next season. The Chelsea loan system is more akin to an investment scheme than a pathway to the club. 38 players were sent on loan from Stamford Bridge in 2017/18. The majority of those will not make another senior appearance for the Blues.

This guarantees that Aina will be available. It also provides an opportunity. With time, he will reach a stage where he wishes to settle at a club where he has a future. Should QPR have him on loan for a couple of seasons, they will be in a prime position to take him on a permanent contract.