'Contact made' - Celtic proactive in chase for 'quality' Crystal Palace and Wolves transfer target

Celtic are believed to have made 'tentative contact' with QPR over a potential summer transfer for centre-back Jake Clarke-Salter amid interest from Premier League clubs including Crystal Palace and Wolves.

That's according to Football Scotland, with the outlet claiming that the Glasgow giants are being proactive in sounding out a deal for the 26-year-old who has been a key part of the Rs' side this season. The defender is a product of the Chelsea academy but spent his six years with the first team largely on loan spells before moving to Loftus Road in 2022.

Clarke-Salter has impressed in a side that is fighting relegation in the Championship. The 6 ft 2 in star has started every match since the middle of December and is contracted at the club until 2026.

Interest from clubs such as Celtic, Crystal Palace and Wolves would no doubt tempt the Championship defender, but QPR will be in control over an asking price with years left on his deal. Under Cifuentes, the Rs have also been one of the second tier's in-form sides with signs suggesting a much more successful campaign next time out.

Ipswich Town and Burnley have also been named as clubs showing interest in the player, who has also played for Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Birmingham City and Coventry City in the past.

Speaking about his love for the defender in December, Cifuentes said: “I knew Jake already from his time [on loan] at Birmingham because Xavi Calm my assistant was working at Birmingham for a lot of his games.

“We knew of his quality so I am not surprised about the level of performance he has had over the last few games. But at the same time we need to realise he came from a period when I first arrived where he was coming back from an injury.

Watch - Former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame: 'It's humbling and fulfilling'

“But we have a fantastic medical department and physios who have all contributed to give me a good picture on what are the risks and opportunities for each player on weeks like this.

“That all contributes to the puzzle because it’s about keeping the mood of the squad and my way of coaching is always to give people the opportunities to show and play in games. But there is no doubt he is a very important player for us and we want him to be fit and be in as many games as he can.”