Wolves challenged by Celtic and Crystal Palace in seven-team transfer tussle

Competition is hotting up to sign Queens Park Rangers defender Jake Clarke-Salter this summer, with six teams now reportedly in the race alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Old Gold are on the hunt for a new centre-back following the departure of club captain Maximilian Kilman, who recently left to reunite with Julen Lopetegui at West Ham United. A stunning £45 million was raised in the deal, providing Gary O’Neil with deep pockets to source a replacement.

Football Insider reports Clarke-Salter is high on the shortlist as Wolves hold great admiration for the former Chelsea man. It’s claimed Wanderers sent scouts to watch Clarke-Salter on several occasions last season, though plenty of other clubs have done the same thing.

AFC Bournemouth, Burnley, Celtic, Crystal Palace, Stoke City and Ipswich Town have all expressed an interest in signing Clarke-Salter. The Telegraph reported in May that a bid of around £5-7 million - depending on the terms - would be enough to seal the defender’s services.

A dozen times an England Under-21 international, Clarke-Salter was on Chelsea’s books until July 2022, when he signed for QPR. The 26-year-old actually only played two times at senior level for the Blues, instead progressing with loan spells at Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Vitesse, Birmingham City and Coventry City.

Clarke-Salter has racked up a total of 177 senior appearances, including 118 in the Championship. He’s still yet to be properly tested in the Premier League but the fee being demanded could represent great value and there’s still lots of potential to unlock.