'Obviously' - QPR star addresses Wolves and Celtic transfer speculation

Wolves will have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements after one of their targets signed a new long-term deal with their club.

Jake Clarke-Salter was reportedly wanted by Wolves, along with Celtic, Crystal Palace, AFC Bournemouth, Burnley, Stoke City and Ipswich Town in the summer. It was reported in May that a bid of £5-7m would secure his services, but no club did that.

The 27-year-old has put an end to speculation by signing a new long-term deal at Loftus Road. His contract was due to expire in the summer of 2026, and the length of his new deal has not been revealed, but it's 'long-term' and so QPR is where the former Chelsea academy product sees his future.

Addressing the speculation, he said to the official club website: “Obviously that was reported – I just tried to focus on the football because myself and my family have really enjoyed my time at QPR so far. My kids are settled here.

“I love working with Martí, with the good players we have – hopefully we’re building something exciting. I’m really happy to be part of it.

“I love it here. The fans have been really supportive and get behind me, as do my team-mates.

“Hopefully we can continue to build on the good work that’s taken place since Martí (Cifuentes, head coach) came in last season.

“Everyone around the club and around the EFL can see how much we’ve improved as a club since the gaffer came in, how the players have responded to him – that applies to Christian (Nourry, CEO), too, you can see how everything around the place has come on.

“There have been massive changes and it’s also the little, finer details that perhaps you don’t see as well.”

Centre-back was an area of concern for Wolves this summer, and they have since been dealt some huge blows. Yerson Mosquera has been ruled out for the rest of the season, following ACL and MCL damage. In recent weeks, Toti Gomes has been missing, whilst Santiago Bueno came off with a glute concern against Liverpool.

Since the summer transfer window shut, Wolves have been linked with a move with Joel Matip, but they are unable to sign him until January, because they have already filled their squad quota. They can sign players that are regarded as homegrown should their centre-back situation get worse, and they’ve reportedly been keeping tabs on James Tompkins and Paul Dummett.