England U18 prospect leaves West Ham for Championship move, QPR agree deal for international starlet

League One play-off winners Oxford United have confirmed their second signing of the summer as they prepare for life back in the second tier. West Ham goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge has agreed to join the U’s on a free transfer, which will be completed when his Hammer deal expires on 1 July.

The young goalkeeper produced a number of impressive performances for West Ham’s reserve team last season and conceded just 27 times in 19 Premier League 2 appearances as his team finished second in the table just four points behind leaders Tottenham.

Jacob Knightbridge gained experience travelling with the team for several Europa League matches and was on the bench for a number of vital games. Knightbridge, who has one cap for England’s U18 team is considered to be a hot prospect, but it is likely that Oxford will send him out on loan to give him a taste of first team football.

“The idea is to come here and eventually play for this football club. Whether that’s staying and trying to do that this season or going out on loan. But the end goal is to become number one at Oxford and I hope I can achieve that.”

Head Coach, Des Buckingham, told the club website: “Jacob is a very promising young goalkeeper who we look forward to having at the club.

“We have a very strong goalkeeping department which is led by Lewis Price, and we believe we can help take Jacob’s game to a new level so that he can challenge to play for Oxford United in the future.”

QPR agree deal for international starlet

QPR have extended the contract of promising young forward Sinclair Armstrong, putting an end to rumours linking him with a move to a Premier League club.

The 20-year-old made 41 appearances across all competitions and bagged four goals to win the club’s young player of the year award for a second consecutive season. Armstrong is regarded as one for the future and recently made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in September as he featured in a 2-1 loss to Netherlands.

The Irishman has become an increasingly popular figure at Loftus Road since his arrival from Shamrock Rovers and is expected to play a big part next term. 

The length of his new contract has not yet been disclosed by the West London side.