Bright Osayi-Samuel could be recalled to the QPR squad this weekend, with contract talks “moving the right way” according to Mark Warburton.
Osayi-Samuel’s contract expires next year and there has been uncertainty over his future for some time.
He has rejected previous contract offers but appeared to be close to re-signing before stalling over the deal and being left out of the squad for Tuesday’s defeat at Barnsley.
However, manager Warburton remains hopeful the 22-year-old will eventually put pen to paper.
“The contract talks are moving the right way,” Warburton said.
“I just want Brighty to be nice and clear about his football.
“He trained very well today and we’ll see how he is for the weekend.”
Osayi-Samuel could be brought back into the fold for Saturday’s home game against Cardiff - regardless of how the contract discussions progress before then.
Warburton refused to select Ryan Manning because he would not sign a new contract and the Irishman was subsequently sold to Swansea.
That was in order to avoid Manning seeing out the remaining months of his contract and then leaving on a free transfer.
However, Osayi-Samuel’s age means QPR would be entitled to compensation in the absence of a transfer fee if he left the club next summer.
And at Barnsley he was missed by Rangers, who lost 3-0, are without a win in their past seven matches and have failed to score in their past four.
“His situation is slightly different in terms of the compensation aspect,” Warburton explained.
“He’s younger, under 23, and therefore it’s a different set of rules that apply.
“But with any player, you just want them to concentrate on their football.
“When they’ve got other things going on it’s difficult for them at this level of the game.
“So it’s about making sure their head’s in the right place and I very much hope that’s the case at the weekend.
“The talks are going on and Brighty’s a very valuable player for us.
“As a manager you’ve got to pick your best squad, especially when you have one or two injuries and a very tight squad.”