“He is a Rolls-Royce” - Verdict issued on QPR man amid Celtic, Burnley and Ipswich Town interest | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Queens Park Rangers’ transformation under Marti Cifuentes has been incredible, with the Londoners now closing on securing their safety in the Championship.

Jake Clarke-Salter impresses for QPR in 2023-24 season

Whilst you have to point out that the Spaniard has improved most of the individuals at Loftus Road, there’s no denying that Jake Clarke-Salter is flourishing under his guidance.

The 26-year-old arrived at the R’s with a lot of excitement, but an injury-hit first campaign meant fans didn’t see the former Chelsea man at his best.

However, it’s been a different story in the current campaign, as Clarke-Salter has formed a formidable partnership alongside Steve Cook for much of the season that has been key to their success under Cifuentes.

Jake Clarke-Salter transfer latest

But, unfortunately for QPR, it seems his form has attracted attention from elsewhere, as reports have claimed that Celtic, Wolves, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace are among the clubs keeping tabs on the left-footer.

Pleasingly for the R’s, they aren’t under pressure to cash in, as Clarke-Salter is under contract until the summer of 2026, and the fact they’re on course to avoid relegation is obviously a massive help.

But, the prospect of moving to the Premier League, or a club like Celtic that will be able to offer European football, which will potentially be the Champions League, is likely going to appeal.

Jake Clarke-Salter is capable of playing at the highest level

So, an interesting summer awaits, and QPR fan pundit Louis Moir told FLW that this interest in Clarke-Salter was inevitable when you consider how well he has been playing.

“I’m not surprised in the slightest," Louis told Football League World.

"They’re rumours that are not hard to believe as he’s shown for a sustained period now this season that he can stay fit, which is a crucial thing, as he had missed games before with injuries.

“We all know he’s a top quality centre-back. For me, he’s a Premier League defender, it’s just injuries that have been holding him back.

“When he was at Chelsea when he was younger, he was really hyped up there, but injuries have played a massive part in the lack of development he has had.

“I’m delighted with how he’s been, he has arguably been our player of the season. On the ball, he’s crucial to how we want to play. He reminds me of when we had Yoan Barbet at the back, as that left-sided centre-back who can play in a back four, a back five.

“He has just been superb, there aren’t really any faults. He is a Rolls-Royce of a centre-back. Like I’ve said, he’s brilliant on the ball, he makes last ditch tackles, he covers the ground, he’s not bad in the air.

“I’m worried because big clubs are going to be interested, but hopefully we can keep him, and he is still under contract. If he stays fit, like he is now, he’s one of the best centre-backs in this division.”

Clarke-Salter’s immediate focus will be on QPR, with Cifuentes’ side back in action at home to Sheffield Wednesday this weekend, as they seek a third consecutive victory.