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Gillingham's teenage goalkeeper Joe Walsh has joined Championship side QPR after making just one league appearance for the club.
The promising 18-year-old made his League 1 debut earlier this season when he came on as a first-half substitute in place of Jack Bonham in the 1-0 defeat at Ipswich in October.
But his potential has attracted a long list of admirers this season and Gills boss Steve Evans revealed at least one other Championship side and a top SPL club also wanted to sign Walsh.
He has previously been linked with Scottish giants Celtic while Stoke, Blackburn and Nottingham Forest are all clubs that have been rumoured to show an interest, but QPR have got their man in a deal believed to be worth up to £500,000.
Evans said: "I would like to wish Joe every success.
“He has improved out of all recognition in the last 18 months and QPR have got themselves an outstanding young goalkeeper.
“Two EFL Championship clubs, and late in the day, a top SPL club wanted the lad, but his heart was set on Queens Park Rangers from the get go.
“The goalkeeping coaches, Simon Royce and Ian Pledger, have developed him brilliantly and deserve great recognition.
“Joe goes forwards in his career and I have no doubt my good friend Mark Warburton and his staff will continue his development.”
Walsh first joined Gillingham in their under-11s set-up and signed a three-year professional deal before Evans accelerated his progress by making him his second-choice keeper last year.
He made eight first-team appearances for the Gills with his only games coming in the EFL Trophy and League Cup.
Walsh, who has signed a deal until the summer of 2024 with QPR, said: "Thank you to everyone over the last eight years at Gillingham.
"(To) all of my academy coaches and first team staff who helped me become the player and person I am today, I am truly thankful."
Gillingham chairman Paul Scally added: "It was an opportunity for Joe to go out and play at a higher level; we are sad to see him go and, naturally, we would have preferred to have seen him stay, but it is good for the benefit of his career.
"He has all the attributes to be a top goalkeeper; we will monitor his progress closely and we wish him all the very best for the future."
QPR have said Walsh will join up with their under-23s squad. QPR director of football Les Ferdinand said: "Joe is a bright, bright prospect.
"He was identified by the club's goalkeeping fraternity and has attracted a lot of interest - especially after making his league debut at just 18 earlier this season.
"Everyone knows we are in the market for developing young players. Joe has lots of potential, which bodes well for the future."
