WAYNE Routledge's permanent transfer to Queens Park Rangers has stalled because the winger is waiting for a so-called "loyalty" payment from Newcastle United before he agrees to the move.

Routledge is holding out for the six-figure sum as he did not ask for a transfer, even though United have agreed a fee with QPR and he has accepted personal terms.

Whether the stalemate continues once pre-season training gets under way remains to be seen, but The Journal understands the club will not be paying the money to Routledge.

As things stand, the winger is expected to report for the start of pre-season training – even though he spent the last half of the previous campaign on loan at Loftus Road and has made it clear he wants to sign for them on a permanent basis.

QPR boss Neil Warnock is still keen to bring Routledge into his squad following his side’s promotion to the Premier League.

While ex-Newcastle boss Chris Hughton – now in charge of Birmingham – would also like to take the former Tottenham prospect to St Andrew’s following his appointment as manager this week, QPR remain in pole position ti sign him.

United are happy to let Routledge leave as manager Alan Pardew does not think he is good enough for a top-half-of-the-table Premier League side.

However, they do not see why they should have to compensate him for that move after just 18 months on Tyneside – six of which he was a QPR player.