Maidstone are trying to keep Alex Finney for the rest of the season.

They’re in talks with QPR over extending Finney’s loan deal, which runs out next month.

The defender has been a revelation since joining United days before the new season following Kevin Lokko’s shock departure to Stevenage.

Manager Jay Saunders believes other clubs will be interested in the 21-year-old in January and wants to tie up a deal as soon as possible.

He said: “We’re in talks at the moment. I know he’s keen to stay and we’re keen to have him.

“I spoke to his agent, he’s quite keen for it to happen as well, so it’s just in QPR’s hands.

“I’m hopeful but as we’ve seen in football, until it’s actually done you don’t get too excited. Hopefully, we can keep him because he’s been excellent.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if there’s League 1 or League 2 clubs having a look and there’ll certainly be National League teams sniffing around. We’re trying to get it done early so it’s a done deal.”

Finney had a taste of league football at former club Bolton and while he’s still to make a first-team appearance for QPR, Saunders is convinced the young centre-half is destined for big things.

He said: “I think he’ll play league football, there’s no doubt about it.

“He’s got pace, reads the game well, he’s a good talker, his attitude’s spot on and he’s a great trainer. He’s someone I think’s got a big future and you forget he’s only 21.

“He’s not played 30 or 40 men’s games on the trot and he needs that. He’ll get that now and it’ll stand him in good stead.”