Players believe QPR is 'a great option' claims Mark Hughes after signing Esteban Granero from Real Madrid

Long, long shot Although it has become apparent that anything can happen at QPR, rumours of a pursuit for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero are perhaps farfetched. The versatile 25-year-old can operate in a number of attacking and (GETTY IMAGES)

Manager Mark Hughes believes top players now feel QPR are "a great option" after signing Esteban Granero from Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old midfielder has agreed a four-year contract at Loftus Road after making 60 appearances for Los Blancos.

In a statement released by the Barclays Premier League club, Hughes said: "He is a great player, first and foremost. You don't play at a club like Real Madrid if you're not.

"What we are doing at QPR is having an impact on players.

"It is probably true to say that if we had approached certain players three or four months ago about joining the club, the suggestion wouldn't have been entertained.

"But people now know we are serious and we are trying to do something different here.

"And that message is out there now which is why we are able to sit in front of quality players and, once we are given that opportunity, we feel we have a good story to tell them.

"That's why players are deciding that QPR is a great option."

Granero told the club's website, http://www.qpr.co.uk: "I'm very happy to be here. I love the passion of the English fans and from what I know QPR supporters are amongst the very best.

"I think QPR will continue to grow as a club and I want to be part of a very bright future here.

"When I spoke to Mark and (technical director) Mike (Rigg), as well as (chairman) Tony (Fernandes), I was convinced that I wanted to be part of this project, which has no limits.

"I am delighted to be part of this exciting chapter in the club's history. Players that have joined before me are as excited as I am about what QPR can become, one of the great teams in England."

PA