Queens Park Rangers are closing in on the signing of Jake Clarke-Salter following his Chelsea release, with the defender set to sign a four-year deal with the R's. 

It was announced earlier in the summer that Clarke-Salter would be leaving Chelsea at the conclusion of the 2021/22 season. As the defender became a free agent there was, naturally, plenty of interested parties.

However, QPR are closing in on his signature, as per a report from The Athletic, who also claim that a medical and completion of the deal will come tomorrow (Wednesday).

They drop into their update that Clarke-Salter will sign a four-year contract across West London, as the 24-year-old commits his long-term future to the club who have just appointed Michael Beale as manager.

Clarke-Salter, who will be Beale's first signing at QPR, only made a couple of appearances for the senior side at Chelsea and, like many other young players at the club, spent time out on loan.

Sunderland, Vitesse, Birmingham City and Coventry City were the defender's four destinations, with the spell with the latter particularly impressive in 2021/22.

Clarke-Salter made 31 appearances across all competitions for Mark Robins' side, including 29 in the Championship as they finished 12th in the table.

The Verdict 

There's an awful lot to like about this deal.

One aspect is the long-term contract, with QPR tying Clarke-Salter down well into his peak years.

2026 is a long way off, with the defender set to develop (hopefully) into one of the best outside of the top-flight.

QPR, then, have their asset protected by a long-term contract and the assurance that Clarke Salter will be around for the rebuild under Beale.

Thoughts? Let us know!