Queens Park Rangers are nearing a deal for Linfield’s Northern Ireland U21 international Paul Smyth, according to The Belfast Telegraph.

The R’s have had a bid turned down for the player, but the publication reports that the west London club are very close to Linfield’s valuation.

The 19-year-old is a key transfer target of manager Ian Holloway, and the former Blackpool boss is extremely keen to get a deal done before the transfer window closes in the next couple of weeks.

Linfield are said to be willing to sell the player so as to not stand in his way of progressing to full time football, but are keen to ensure that they are properly reimbursed for one of the most exciting young talents in Northern Irish football.

League Two Crawley had a bid turned down for the player earlier in the summer, but now it appears that QPR are just days away from announcing Smyth’s signing.

The Verdict: Youngster Smyth is held in extremely high regard by boyhood club Linfield, but is very keen to move to the Championship this summer.

Linfield are resigned to losing the player as they cannot offer full time professional status in the Northern Irish league, and will not hold the player back this summer as long as their valuation is met.

Smyth is one of the brightest talents in the Northern Ireland U21 set up, and a move to west London could set the player up for a place in the senior squad in the next few months.

With Northern Ireland chasing a World Cup spot, Smyth will be keen to try his hand in English football, and hopefully force his way into Michael O'Neill's plans should the Green and White Army qualify for the Russian tournament next year.

Do you think Smyth will slip straight into the first team squad, R's fans?