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Queens Park Rangers have opened negotiations with Luke Freeman regarding a new deal at the club, HITC reports.

What's the word?

After a slow start to the season, QPR have started to find their feet under Steve McClaren but have suffered another dip in the past week following three consecutive defeats in all competitions to Norwich, Blackpool and Swansea.

Sat 19th in the table, just four points above the relegation zone, a stern fight lies ahead at Loftus Road but positive news is provided by the fact that QPR have opened discussions with Luke Freeman regarding a new contract, according to HITC.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has scored two goals in ten appearances across all competitions this season after attracting interest from Middlesbrough and Blackburn in January, with the club fearing his signature could be sought after again in January.

What does this mean?

Retaining the services of Freeman will be crucial to QPR's survival hopes and tying the 26-year-old down to a new deal before any transfer saga develops in the mid-season window is a smart move from the club as he enters the final 18 months of his deal.

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Freeman has become a key player at Loftus Road, scoring five goals and contributing 12 assists in the Championship last season, and is the sort of player QPR will rely upon in the battle to avoid a drop to the third tier of English football, and also to try and take them to the next level.

Given his impressive contribution numbers in recent years, QPR are right to be wary about potential interest in the former Arsenal man and securing a new deal would send a statement of intent to the rest of the division.