Exclusive: Lee Hendrie reacts to big QPR transfer update involving Jonathan Varane.

Espanyol of Spain has made a £5 million bid for QPR midfielder Jonathan Varane.

West London Sport revealed the approach and confirmed the Championship side’s decision to reject the bid.

Varane contributed significantly to Rangers’ season, appearing in 39 Championship games since joining the club last summer.

We asked Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie if QPR should stick or twist on Varane following the recent bid.

Varane is worth the bid for Hendrie.

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, Hendrie mentioned Jonathan Varane of QPR, a player he has seen frequently in the EFL and Championship.

“I’ve actually looked at him and considered his strength and physicality. It’s no surprise that Espanyol have made a £5 million bid for him.

“I think having the season in the Championship helped him a lot, and playing in a vibrant side where he’s been given the freedom to really flourish and be himself, I think it’s brought him out and shown that he’s capable of taking the next step.

“So there’s no surprise. However, QPR clearly does not want to lose players like that.

“I know they’ve brought players in, and they used a lot of their younger players last season. But, as you know, quality begins to shine through, and that is where people look for, see, and monitor players like Varane.

“And there’s no wonder, as I said, his physicality, his strength, and I’m sure that he’ll come on and come on, because from what I’ve seen, I was very impressed with him on a number of occasions.”

The Espanyol bid is a strong indication of faith in QPR’s recruitment.

Varane was only signed by the west London club last summer from second-tier Spanish side Sporting Gijon, after rising through the youth ranks at French outfit Lens, just like his half-brother, former Real Madrid and Manchester United star Raphael.

Varane cost QPR £875,000, making Espanyol’s bid more than five times their original outlay after only one season (West London Sport).

The bid is not only a strong vote of confidence in the midfielder’s talent, but it also demonstrates the recruitment team’s success.

QPR successfully signed Varane to a new long-term contract last month, demonstrating their ability to both recruit and retain players.

Given Espanyol’s approach, it was a timely move that puts the Championship side in a much better position to fend off such attempts.

The fact that QPR want to keep Varane with such large immediate profits on the table demonstrates how highly valued he is at Loftus Road.

If Rangers believe Varane has a significant amount of development left in him, as evidenced by his recent moves, then keeping him at this stage is unquestionably the best option.

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