QPR expect to win race for Rémy after edging ahead of Newcastle

QPR have agreed a fee of £8m with Marseilles for Loic Remy (Getty Images)

Queen's Park Rangers are confident of making Loïc Rémy their first signing of the January transfer window after they matched Newcastle United's offer of £8million for the Marseilles striker.

Manager Harry Redknapp has been given permission to discuss personal terms with Rémy, 26, with QPR now believed to be his preferred destination despite initially refusing to speak to them. Newcastle had agreed to meet Marseilles' valuation for the France international and he held talks with Newcastle manager Pardew and the club director Derek Llambias last week. It is thought that Rangers have offered Rémy a deal worth £80,000 a week, a figure Newcastle cannot match.

On-loan midfielder Joey Barton tweeted yesterday that QPR had stolen ahead in the race for Rémy's signature, while the west London club also hope to complete the signing of his France international team-mate Yann M'Vila from Rennes. "Gift of the gab from Harry Redknapp perhaps? Thought it was done and dusted to Newcastle. Something must of gone amiss. Great news for #QPR," wrote Barton, who is spending the season with Marseilles.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have also been rocked by Hatem Ben Arfa's admission that he would be interested in a summer move to Paris St-Germain. The France international has been sidelined since 10 December as Alan Pardew's side have slipped into a relegation battle.

Liverpool have taken Norway defender Vegard Forren on trial with a view to a £4m transfer from Molde. The 24-year-old was previously linked with a move to Everton.

Belgium midfielder Roland Lamah will become Swansea's first signing of the transfer window today after agreeing terms on an 18-month loan. If successful, the Osasuna player, 25, could join on a permanent £2m transfer.