QPR make bid for Blackburn defender Chris Samba

 

Simon Peach
Friday 06 January 2012 13:13 GMT
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Samba is Blackburn's most valuable player
Samba is Blackburn's most valuable player

QPR manager Neil Warnock is working hard to bring in new faces and has made a £5million bid for Blackburn's Christopher Samba, Press Association Sport understands.

The west Londoners have made no secret of their ambition to make additions during the January transfer window as they look to stave off relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Warnock has openly admitted he needs to strengthen the squad, highlighting centre-back and attack as the key areas in need of reinforcements.

"We are working very hard behind the scenes and before Newcastle (on January 15) we want them in place," he said. "That is what we're working towards.

"We have got options for a number of positions and it is like everybody else as you don't know whether you are going to sign anybody until the actual signature is on the paper.

"Things change. This week a couple of my targets were made out of bounds now so you look elsewhere. It is all like that.

"There is money to spend but I am not going to throw it away stupidly. I know there are targets and [chairman] Tony Fernandes is doing his best.

"Tony is really working hard to bring the players in that I want and [vice-chairman] Amit Bhatia has been supportive and all the other lads."

Having completed the loan signing of Manchester United striker Federico Macheda earlier this week, Warnock is now hoping to bring in Blackburn defender Samba.

The 27-year-old is subject of a £5million bid by the Rs and is also reportedly attracting interest from high-flying Tottenham.

Another rumoured target is Chelsea's unsettled defender Alex, although Warnock was keen not to speculate.

"We have a number of people we're looking at," he said.

"I won't be commenting on anybody. It is not fair really.

"We're looking at a number of players and we need experience in certain positions and also we need goals.

"There are a couple of ingredients we're looking at and we're trying to improve as many areas as we can in the squad."

Asked whether Alex would be a good fit for the Rs, he added: "I think [Bolton defender Gary] Cahill would be but whether we get somebody like him or Alex is another thing altogether.

"I think we have to look at every aspect and the names that are thrown at us.

"Sometimes you bring players I've not even thought about."

While Warnock's hunt for new additions continues, his immediate attention turns to tomorrow's FA Cup third round tie at MK Dons.

More than 5,000 QPR fans are expected to make the trip to stadiummk and Warnock is hoping not to let them down.

"I am going to try and play as a good a team as I can," he said.

"There are one or two knocks and it is going to be difficult anyhow. They have got a great record this season.

"I think they have got an excellent chance of getting promoted this season but yeah, I want to win the game.

"No disrespect to the Carling Cup, but the FA Cup is special.

"We are taking a lot of fans with us so it will be an opportunity for the lads to have a go on a good surface against a good footballing team."

Recent loan signing Macheda could make his first start after being given permission to feature by parent club Manchester United and fellow striker Rob Hulse may also be involved.

Armand Traore and Adel Taarabt are unlikely to be involved due to the African Nations Cup, while skipper Joey Barton is suspended.

PA

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