Queens Park Rangers are set to miss out on signing Paul Huntington this summer, with Preston North End not interested in selling the centre-back.

Huntington has emerged as a target for Steve McClaren this summer, but the new QPR boss is set to fall short in his quest to sign the centre-back, with Preston not interested in a sale.

A report from the Lancashire Post has revealed that Preston have no desire to sell Huntington to QPR this summer, despite the centre-back entering the final 12 months of his deal at Deepdale.

The Lancashire club have opened talks with Huntington over a new deal, with Preston looking to tie the 30-year-old down to fresh terms and a lengthy contract.

Huntington has been with Preston since the summer of 2012, making 246 appearances at Deepdale.

The centre-back has returned 17 goals in that time, helping Preston make a good impact on their return to the Championship in recent seasons.

Last year, Huntington featured in 44 of Preston’s 46 Championship fixtures, scoring one goal and registering two assists for Alex Neil’s side.

The centre-back was key to helping Preston finish seventh and challenge for the play-offs.

The Verdict

Huntington has been very impressive at Preston, with his form last season helping Neil’s side into play-off contention.

With the defender’s contract running down, it’s no surprise that there is interest from across the Championship.

Of course, Preston’s stance is a blow for QPR, but Neil will not want to lose one of his leading centre-back options to a direct rival this summer.

Sorting out Huntington’s long-term future needs to be a priority now.

Will Huntington sign a new deal at Deepdale? Let us know your thoughts!