QPR: Any Jake Clarke-Salter and Ilias Chair transfer advances must be snubbed | OneFootball

FLW looks at two players that the Hoops must keep hold of this summer.

Queens Park Rangers will be hoping for a much-improved season in the Championship next term.

The R's made a poor start to last season, resulting in the sacking of Gareth Ainsworth in October, but they secured survival after a remarkable turnaround under Marti Cifuentes as they finished 18th in the table.

Cifuentes' men were one of the form sides in the division in the second half of the campaign as they lost just four of their last 19 games, and Hoops supporters will be optimistic they can avoid any relegation danger next season under the Spaniard's guidance.

It has been a busy start to the summer as Cifuentes looks to rebuild his squad, but there have also been a number of exits, with the likes of Asmir Begovic, Jordan Archer, Osman Kakay, Aaron Drewe, Joe Gubbins, Andre Dozzell, Stephen Duke-McKenna and Albert Adomah leaving at the end of their contracts, while Charlie Kelman has returned to Leyton Orient on loan.

While some of those who are not part of Cifuentes' plans may depart before the end of the transfer window, the Hoops will be desperately hoping they can keep hold of their stars, and we looked at two players the club cannot afford to lose.

Jake Clarke-Salter

Clarke-Salter joined the R's from Chelsea in June 2022, and he has been a key player for the club over the last two seasons.

Defensive solidity was key to the Hoops' revival under Cifuentes last season, and Clarke-Salter was an integral part of the back line, contributing to 10 clean sheets in his 33 appearances, while he also scored one goal.

Clarke-Salter's excellent performances have not gone unnoticed, and journalist John Percy claimed in May that he was a top summer target for Stoke City.

The defender's valuation of £5-7 million may be too high for the Potters, but Premier League clubs may be able to meet that asking price, and Football Insider claimed this week that Wolverhampton Wanderers are plotting a swoop for Clarke-Salter after losing Max Kilman to West Ham United.

Wolves reportedly received £40 million for Kilman, which could provide them with the funds to make a move for Clarke-Salter, and with the 26-year-old said to be keen to play in the top flight, the R's could be vulnerable to losing him to Gary O'Neil's side.

Crystal Palace and Burnley have also been credited with an interest in Clarke-Salter, so it seems likely the Hoops' resolve will be tested this summer, but if the club want to progress up the table next season, it is essential they resist any temptation to cash in on him.

Ilias Chair

Chair has been the R's most influential player since joining the club from Belgian side Lierse in January 2017, and he has established himself as one of the best players in the Championship in recent years.

The 26-year-old found it tough under Ainsworth at the start of the season, but he rediscovered his form under Cifuentes, and he played a key role in his side's survival, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists in 44 appearances.

Chair was the subject of plenty of transfer interest throughout the campaign, with Leicester City, Leeds United, Birmingham City and Trabzonspor all said to have been keen, but the Hoops managed to keep hold of him.

The R's will be able to demand a significant fee for Chair, but while that would help with finding a replacement, it would be incredibly difficult to recruit a player with the same quality as the Moroccan international.

If Chair remains at Loftus Road and can maintain the consistency he showed in the second half of last season, a play-off push for the Hoops cannot be ruled out next term, so it is crucial that the club reject any advances from elsewhere.