QPR ace emerges as 'top' summer target for Stoke City, reporter claims

07/05/2024 10:54

Stoke City are interested in QPR defender Jake Clarke-Salter, according to reporter John Percy on X.

Stoke City are keen to lure the centre-back to the Bet365 Stadium this summer as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of next season. They have recently finished in 17th place, six points above the drop zone, after their 4-0 final day win over Bristol City.

Clarke-Salter, 26, has been a key player for QPR over recent times and made 33 appearances for the London club in this past campaign. He is under contract until June 2026 meaning Marti Cifuentes’ side are under no pressure to cash in on him anytime soon unless an offer that they can’t refuse comes in for his services.

In this latest update regarding his situation by The Telegraph journalist Percy on social media (see below), he has emerged as a ‘top target’ for the Potters ahead of the upcoming window.

Stoke City eye QPR man

Stoke City have a big few months ahead as they prepare for their first full campaign under the guidance of ex-Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher.

They could see Clarke-Salter as someone to boost their backline as they look to compete higher up the table next year.

QPR could face a battle to keep hold of him in the near future and he has been linked with a few teams over recent times. The Sun have claimed that Ipswich Town, Celtic, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Burnley are all admirers.

Clarke-Salter rose up through the academy ranks at Chelsea and was a regular for the Premier League giants at various different youth levels. He went on to play three times for their first-team in his early career as a youngster, as well as having loan spells away from Stamford Bridge to get some experience under his belt with the likes of Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Vitesse, Birmingham City and Coventry City.

He then cut ties with the Blues on a permanent basis in 2022 and has since made QPR his home.

The ex-England youth international has established himself as one of the R’s most prized assets and they will be desperate to keep hold of him. He helped them stay up in this past season.

Ambitious Stoke City target

Signing Clarke-Salter would be a big statement of intent by Stoke City if they were able to lure him away from QPR.

He has been a consistent performer for the Hoops and would significantly strengthen the Potters’ defensive department. However, the fact that teams higher up the football pyramid want him and his hefty price tag could make this a tough deal to strike.

It seems more likely that he would make the step up to the top flight if he was to leave the R’s anytime soon, not to a team in the same league.

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