QPR are ‘working around the clock’ to try and finalise a deal with Fulham for midfielder Stefan Johansen, according to talkSPORT.

The two west London clubs remain locked in talks after the terms of a permanent deal for the former Norwegian international, who enjoyed a successful loan spell in Shepherd’s Bush during the second half of last season. Johansen is Rangers’ top transfer target after they brought back striker Charlie Austin, who also starred on loan last year.

The near neighbours are understood to be some way apart in their valuation of Johansen, who has a year to run on his current Craven Cottage contract. The 30 year-old made 21 appearances for the R’s last season, scoring twice and providing three assists, as Mark Warburton’s men finished the campaign strongly. Rangers want to get a deal done as quickly as possible with Johansen also attracting interest from across Europe.

The experienced midfielder has spoken about his need to play regular football having been left out of Scott Parker’s 25-man squad following Fulham’s promotion to the Premier League. The Cottagers are not prepared to compromise on their valuation of the energetic midfielder, who has been part of two promotion-winning campaigns with Fulham, and remains a proven performer at Championship level.

Johansen has made 136 appearances, scoring 21 times for Fulham since signing from Celtic for a fee of around £2.5m in August 2016. His departure would leave the Whites light on central midfield options ahead of the new season.