QPR stand firm over key star as Wolves discover big 'asking price'

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Queens Park Rangers have reportedly named their price for one of their most important players amid Premier League interest.

Queens Park Rangers have reportedly set their asking price for in-demand star Jake Clarke-Salter. The centre-back was crucial for the Hoops last season, making 33 league appearances and helping Marti Cifuentes’ men dodge relegation from the Championship.

Still only 26 years of age and yet to reach his prime, Clarke-Salter was always likely to be in demand this summer, and Premier League club Wolves are reportedly chasing a deal. Wolves enjoyed an impressive season under Gary O’Neill last season, surprising many given they were expected to struggle on the back of a lack of incomings and the late departure of Julen Lopetegui ahead of the season.

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O’Neill did excellently, but as preparations begin for the new season, O’Neill has lost defender Max Kilman to West Ham United, and he and Wolves are now on the lookout for a replacement. Clarke-Salter looks to be one of the players earmarked by Wolves, and the Midlands club now know how much they will have to pay to complete a deal, according to Football Insider, with QPR determined to get a big return despite signing the defender for free.

According to the report, QPR are demanding £10million to sanction a sale, with their star centre-back under contract until 2026. Clarke-Salter said of his future after the conclusion of last season: "If I'm being totally honest with myself, I had a lot of ambition growing up at Chelsea – captaining Chelsea and England youth sides – and I had some injuries along the way that has hindered my career so to have a home now. To be able to stay fit this season, which I always knew would come around again. I'm confident now that I can put those injuries behind me and I'm just happy now at QPR. I have a home, I had a good season in the end and I'm just looking forward to the future."

What Cifuentes has said about Clarke-Salter

Speaking about Clarke-Salter back in December, Cifuentes made it clear how important the centre-back is to his plans. He 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 performances 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. 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.”

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