Championship pair QPR and Aston Villa have both previously been linked with the 26-year-old, who impressed at the 2018 World Cup.

Sainsbury is out of favour with Chinese club Jiangsu Suning, having been relegated to train with their reserves last week.

The Perth-born defender, who has six months left on his Jiangsu contract, posted a cryptic photo on social media this week too, with his passport in hand suggesting he's on the move.

The Sun has reported that QPR are closing in on a deal for the ex-Internazionale defender, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Swiss club Grasshoppers.

Sainsbury's agent Tony Rallis confirmed when contacted by FourFourTwo that they were "exploring various possibilities".

QPR are looking to add to their defensive ranks following the off-season departures of Nedum Onuoha, James Perch and Jack Robinson.

The Rs are currently managed by ex-England boss Steve McClaren, while fellow Socceroo Massimo Luongo is on their books.