It has been reported that Bristol City have formally approached Burnley over the potential signing of Nahki Wells, according to Sky Sports.

Journalist Lyall Thomas confirmed Bristol City's interest on Tuesday evening on Twitter, which could affect the viability of QPR's current loan arrangement with Wells' parent club, Burnley.

The 29-year-old signed for the R's at the start of the season, and has excelled in W12, scoring thirteen league goals this season for Mark Warburton's side.

QUIZ: Can you remember where QPR have finished in each of the last fourteen seasons?

With the Bermuda international such a key part to QPR's team at the moment, such an approach from Bristol City for the forward's services represents a substantial risk if Burnley are keen to sell.

Here, we discuss three potential knock-on effects of any potential departure...

Very tough to sign a replacement

QPR have had to contend with a limited budget for the last few seasons because of previous overspending and Financial Fair Play infringements, with makes it tough for Mark Warburton to dip into the market for expensive players.

This adds a potential stumbling block if Wells decides to leave for Bristol City, as he is currently one of the best forwards in the division.

Finding a like-for like replacement of a similar quality would prove to be a considerable challenge in what is an inflated market.

More pressure on rest of forward line

Without Wells, there would be more pressure on the current attacking players at the club such as Jordan Hugill, Ebere Eze and Bright Osayi-Samuel, which could adversely affect their performance levels.

The trio have been in good goal scoring form for Rangers this term, scoring 22 league goals between them.

However, without Wells in the side, chances and goals may be harder to come by.

Second half of the season will be more challenging

The last couple of months have been a challenge as it is for QPR, who have slipped down from the fringes of the play-offs to the bottom half of the table.

There was a period earlier on in the campaign where Wells went on a goal drought that lasted a total of nine games for Rangers, which just saw just two wins in that period as a result.

That highlights how tough it was for the team without his goals, which could be the case again if the 29-year-old departs.