"Kasey Palmer's time at Bristol City could be coming to an end with Championship rivals QPR closing in on a deal for the Jamaica international with talks at an advanced stage.
Bristol Live understands talks have been taking place for some weeks over a permanent switch for the 25-year-old who has not featured in any of Nigel Pearson's last seven matchday squads.
Pearson is keen to get Palmer off the club's wage bill and there have been discussions over a potential Adam Nagy-type deal whereby the playmaker is effectively allowed to leave for free.
Nagy was
allowed to join Italian Serie B side Pisa for nothing in August having declared his wish to leave the Robins, allowing the Hungarian's final year of his contract to be written off.
Palmer still has 18 months to run on his contract at City, having arrived in the summer of 2019 from Chelsea, and as one of the highest earners at the club simply isn't providing value for money.
A transfer fee would, of course, be preferable but such are the financial realities of a Covid-influenced transfer market, City may have to simply take what they can get.
City last week announced record losses of £38.4m for the financial year ending 2021, including
collective salaries of £35.3m and although moves were made in the summer to bring that down, further reductions are needed.
QPR director of football Les Ferdinand is said to be a huge admirer of Palmer and believes Rs boss Mark Warburton can turn him into one of the best No10s in the Championship and help cement their position inside the top six.
With Ilias Chair departing west London this month for the African Cup of Nations to represent Morocco, Palmer would ensure cover in the playmaking role.
The move will be agreeable for Palmer because he has received assurances over his place in the team but also allows him and his family to move back to London having been born in Lewisham and spent his teenage years with Charlton Athletic and Chelsea."
per Bristol Live
