QPR loan star ignites transfer battle between Huddersfield Town and Hibs

QPR loan star Joe Hodge is set to ignite a summer transfer battle between League Out outfit Huddersfield Town and Scottish Premiership side Hibernian following his spell at Loftus Road last season.

The Wolves man, who arrived at Molineux in 2021 having graduated from the Manchester City youth academy, appears set for another temporary move away from the Midlands. Hodge has only made 13 first team appearances for Wolves with just two outings before his loan stay in London last season.

The Express and Star now reports that Hodge has emerged as a target for the Terriers and Hibs. The midfielder is currently training with the Scottish side but it is not a foregone conclusion that he will spend the season across the border with Huddersfield Town still in negotiations with the Premier League club.

The Yorkshire outfit finished 23rd in the second tier last time out and will return to League One this season for the first time since 2012 - the club enjoyed two seasons in the Premier League as recently as 2017 to 2019.

Hodge showed moments of promise during his short stay at QPR but only made eight appearances as the club fought off relegation. The playmaker scored on his R's debut, bagging what proved to be the winning goal from the bench against Blackburn Rovers in a 2-1 victory.

QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes hailed the player's 'great commitment' during that performance. When the signing of Hodge on loan was confirmed, the Catalan boss added: “I am very happy we have been able to bring in Joe. He is a player who is very comfortable in possession, very good in small spaces, very good in the passing game.

“He can play as an ‘8’ or as a ‘10’. He can also play as a ‘6’ but his natural position is an attacking midfielder, and he has determination to improve himself as a player.”