Queens Park Rangers transfer news: Harry Redknapp nearing Mathieu Valbuena coup
Newly promoted QPR could be set to make a move for French star
Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp is edging closer to securing the signature of Mathieu Valbuena after Marseille made the France international available at a cut price.
The newly promoted Londoners, who won the Championship play-off final against Derby County in May, have already strengthened their squad with Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker.
According to the Daily Mirror, Redknapp is in advanced negotiations with the Ligue 1 club to sign the 29-year-old who made a name for himself at this summer's World Cup in Brazil.
Dynamo Moscow, believed to have been interested in Valbuena for the last six months, were expected to complete a deal this week but the lure of the Premier League could prove too strong.
While the deal will be largely funded by Loic Remy's departure to Liverpool, the £70,000-a-week wages could yet prove too steep even for QPR's relatively deep pockets.
Redknapp is confident, however, a deal can be struck as he strives to build a side capable of competing in the top flight.
One deal which may not happen, though, involves Watford striker Troy Deeney who is said to prefer a switch to Leicester City. Nigel Pearson's side are in Thailand on a pre-season trip to Asia but made a £7.5m offer in the week.
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