QPR boss Mark Warburton has conceded the club may need to "move on" from their pursuit of Nahki Wells following Burnley's decision to recall the striker from his loan spell at the club.

Burnley have exercised their right to cut short Wells' season-long loan spell at QPR following his impressive record of 13 goals in 26 league games this term, with the forward having attracted reported interest from Bristol City and Nottingham Forest.

However, it is believed that Bristol City and Burnley are some way apart in their valuation of the £4million-rated striker and while Forest have held initial talks over Wells, it now appears there is a chance the 29-year-old could remain with Burnley.

QPR chief executive Lee Hoos has confirmed that the club is working hard to sign Wells on a permanent deal following his recall, but Warburton now appears less optimistic that the West London side can get a deal over the line.

Speaking via the Kilburn Times, Warburton claimed that QPR and Wells were both pleased with their situation prior to the recall, but he revealed that the Rs are unlikely to be able to match some of the bids made by other clubs.

"I understand the interest but also from Nahki's point of view you've got to appreciate how much happiness and the environment is worth to you," he said.

"We're not going to be in a position at QPR to go and match some of the big bids being put forward by other clubs.

"But if it's outside of our league we have to move on. Do we want Nahki? Absolutely, he's a great guy to work with and has had a hugely positive impact, is well-liked by the squad and staff alike and has been very good for us."

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The Verdict

The loss of Wells will have come as a significant blow for QPR given the striker's goalscoring record so far this term, and the club should now do everything in their power to try and sign him on a permanent deal by the end of the week.

Hoos' comments yesterday suggested the club was optimistic about getting a deal over the line despite interest from elsewhere, but Warburton here suggests that QPR will be unlikely to afford the fee being touted for the Bermuda international.

The recent Wells development will have significantly altered QPR's plans in the final week of the window, and Warburton's comments suggest the West London side should now turn their attention to other targets before Friday.

It will be tough for QPR fans to see Wells potentially play for another Championship side in the second half of the season, so the Rs hierarchy now need to ensure they find another prolific striker for supporters to back.