Lassana Diarra to QPR: Transfer OFF despite midfielder passing medical

Harry Redknapp had been excited about the arrival of the former Arsenal and Chelsea player

Harry Redknapp will use three centre-halves and wing-backs on his Premier League return with QPR (Getty Images)

Lassana Diarra's proposed transfer to QPR has fallen through despite the midfielder passing a medical on Saturday, the Premier League club has confirmed.

Diarra watched Rangers' 1-0 league victory over Sunderland from the Loftus Road stands on Saturday, with manager Redknapp saying the deal was complete barring paperwork.

However, the Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder's move has now fallen apart, denying Redknapp the chance to work with the France midfielder he signed at Portsmouth.

Rangers boss Redknapp remains confident of completing a deal to bring Sandro to west London from Tottenham, with another ex-Spurs man Jermain Defoe also in the frame for a move from Toronto.

As Sunderland's long-mooted loan move for Liverpool forward Fabio Borini looked to fade, Redknapp was thought to be eyeing a last-minute swoop.

PA