Queens Park Rangers centre-back Conor Masterson could be set to depart the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What's the talk?

In a recent interview with West London Sport, Mark Warburton revealed that the QPR defender is attracting a significant amount of attention in the summer transfer window, with the manager appearing open to the idea of sending the 23-year-old out on loan.

However, the 58-year-old goes on to state that, if he is to sanction the temporary departure of the Republic of Ireland U21 this summer, it must be to a club that both the Rs boss and Les Ferdinand believe will help further the player's development, or else they are more than happy to keep the £3.4k-per-week man in west London for the club's 2021/22 campaign.

Warburton said: "There's interest in Conor. He's done well for us at Championship level and if he goes out on loan, it's got to be the right move for his development.

"Clubs are well aware of Conor. Les will work on the right move. It has to be right – you don't just send a player out willy-nilly. You have to make sure it'll be right for his career development path.

"If that opportunity arises for Conor then we'll take it. If not, then we're very happy to have him here."

Music to the ears of fans

Despite QPR getting their Championship campaign off to a rather slow start in a 1-1 draw with Millwall last weekend, there is nevertheless plenty of reason for fans of the club to be excited at present.

Indeed, Warburton has overseen arguably one of the most impressive transfer windows of any Championship side this summer, securing deals for the likes of Andre Dozzell, Stefan Johansen, Charlie Austin, Jordy de Wijs, Sam Field, Sam McCallum and Jimmy Dunne, all of whom cost the club a reported total of just £1.67m in transfer fees.

Furthermore, following Warburton's latest comments regarding Masterson, it is evident that the manager and his transfer team are not only planning for the here and now with QPR but are also considering the long term future of the club.

Indeed, there are countless examples of clubs sending youth prospects on loan further town the EFL pyramid with the aim of simply affording the player first-team experience, rather than taking into account the style of football a team plays, the manager in charge of a side, or even the general brand of football that is evident in the league as a whole - with the latter being particularly important if sending a player on loan overseas.

However, in order for a loan deal to be truly beneficial for the development of a youngster, all of these factors must be taken into account.

This is something that, from Warburton's words concerning the player who he himself dubbed an "excellent" talent, it is evident the Rs boss also believes, with his recent remarks more than likely being music to the ears of QPR fans - whose club appears to be in very safe hands with the 58-year-old at the helm.

In other news: Lost 8 duels: Careless £7.5k-p/w QPR dud who lost the ball 17x badly failed Warburton