QPR are closing in on a deal for a “sweet” gem who has been touted as the next Lionel Messi

As the Championship campaign continues and the transfer window nears its end, Queens Park Rangers have reportedly reached an agreement to sign the player who has been dubbed the next Lionel Messi.

QPR transfer news

Those at Loftus Road have enjoyed a strong summer of arrivals so far, with Zan Celar prominent among the six new faces welcomed by Marti Cifuentes. The striker has previously played for the likes of AS Roma and could find his best form again at QPR in the Championship. Still only 25 years old, there is still every chance for Zelar to prove an excellent acquisition.

The striker, delighted, told QPR's official website: “I am very happy. I can't wait to start, join the team, join my new teammates, start training and start games. I think I will adapt well.

His league debut didn't go to plan though, as Lucas Andersen's opener against West Brom on Saturday was answered by a clinical hat trick from the Baggies' Josh Maja, leaving the Hoops with nothing to show for the home curtain.

In better news, Cifuentes' attack looks set to be boosted by another impressive arrival. According to Fabrizio Romano, QPR have reached an agreement to sign Karamoko Dembele from Stade Brestois, with the winger set to leave to complete his medical and secure a deal worth €3m (£2.6m), plus add-ons.

Coming from Celtic, Dembele was called the next Lionel Messi, before he ended up on the exit door. Now 21 years old, he finally found his form on loan from Blackpool last season to secure a move to QPR this summer.

“Very good” Dembele is ready to compete

After regaining his form in League One for Blackpool last season, Dembele is more than ready to step into the Championship and Cifuentes' side. HaytersTV's Dan Bennett recently heaped praise on the centre-back, saying Dembele “could be a fantastic player” if used properly in England's second tier.

Throughout the last renewal campaign, Dembele managed to score an impressive eight goals and 13 assists. If he can repeat that in the Championship then QPR's reported £2.6m deal will look to be one of the summer's biggest bargains across England.

Still only 21, there is still much more to come from Dembele, starting this season at QPR as the London club hope for a season without relegation problems.