It seems a question of when rather than if Ebere Eze will leave QPR after he was left out for their pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon.
Eze was not included for Saturday’s game at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, where the hosts won 3-0.
And Rangers boss Mark Warburton admitted the decision was made because of the interest being shown in the 22-year-old forward.
His omission came after West London Sport reported that Fulham were ready to make an offer, joining West Ham and Crystal Palace in the pursuit of Eze.
And The Sun on Sunday have since declared that Fulham are set to table a £15m bid for the exciting youngster.
As interest in Eze hots up, Warburton decided it was in everyone’s interest for him not to play this weekend.
“There’s interest. That’s not a secret. Everyone knows what’s going on,” Warburton told West London Sport.
“I felt it was best for him not to be involved. It was my decision.
“It was my choice and everyone was in agreement that it was the right thing to do.
“There’s so much going on and he’s a young guy and he’s dealing with the outside interest and pressure exceedingly well. He deserves a lot of credit for that.
“He’s a QPR player and he’ll be with us training on Monday as far as I’m aware.”
Saturday’s friendly was on of only two QPR have scheduled before the start of the season.
It was therefore an important match in terms of his players increasing their fitness levels, so the decision not to play Eze surely would suggest Rangers do not think he will still be with them by the time the new campaign starts.