Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter joins QPR on free transfer after just two appearances in 14 years for Blues

CHELSEA defender Jake Clarke-Salter has left to join QPR – after making just two appearances in 14 years.

The 24-year-old has made the switch to the Blues’ London rivals on a four-year contract after years of loan moves from Stamford Bridge.

The Sun revealed earlier this week that QPR was in pole position to claim the signature of the free agent after he left Chelsea.

He is now the first signing of new manager Michael Beale, the former Aston Villa assistant who has replaced Mark Warburton.

Clarke-Salter was a highly-rated Chelsea academy product and will now be hoping to re-launch his career after failing to break through at Cobham.

He has also previously worked with Beale earlier in the defender’s development.

He told QPR’s website: “I am over the moon, it’s a permanent deal and it’s time for me to settle down and progress in my career.

“It’s totally different to a loan move because this is my home and I am fully focused on doing great things with this club.

“This is a big step for me and one I am totally ready for.”

Clarke-Salter’s years of loan moves included stints at Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Vitesse, Birmingham and Coventry.

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His time at the Ricoh Arena saw him make 31 apperances, with Coventry, Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers among those believed to be interested in signing him permanently.

This is unlikely to be the last time QPR move in the summer market, with the club needing to replace big names like departing striker Charlie Austin, who is among those who have left on a free.