Jumat, 31 Agustus 2012

Owls sign Bothroyd on loan

Bothroyd: Leaves QPR on loan

Bothroyd will be reunited with manager Dave Jones, who signed the 30-year-old for Cardiff in August 2008.

He scored 45 goals in 128 appearances for the Bluebirds in the Championship, earning him a surprise inclusion in Fabio Capello's England squad for the 2-1 friendly defeat to France in 2010.

Bothroyd started his career with Arsenal before joining Coventry for 1million in 2000. He will wear the number 24 shirt for Wednesday.

Man City v QPR preview

Sergio Aguero: Still missing

Esteban Granero could make his QPR debut at Manchester City after he received international clearance following his move from Real Madrid.

New goalkeeper Julio Cesar will not feature as he has not been given clearance and Samba Diakite is also missing for personal reasons.

Alejandro Faurlin and Kieron Dyer could feature after returning from their respective long-term layoffs in midweek.

City are still without striker Sergio Aguero and midfielder Gareth Barry.

Aguero (knee) is likely to be out until mid-September while Barry (abdominal) might still be three or four weeks away from a return despite a recent reserves outing.

England right-back Micah Richards (ankle) also remains on the sidelines.

Teams

Manchester City (from): Hart, Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, K Toure, Clichy, Kolarov, Nasri, Milner, Y Toure, Rodwell, Silva, Dzeko, Balotelli, Tevez, Razak.

QPR (from): Green, Cerny, Mu rphy, Ferdinand, Onuoha, Bosingwa, Hill, Nelsen, Fabio, Traore, Derry, Park, Granero, Park, Dyer, Taarabt, Hoilett, Faurlin, Wright-Phillips, Ephraim, Mackie, Johnson, Zamora, Cisse.

QPR swoop for Granero

Granero: Joins QPR

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 Premier League club on Thursday night, R's boss Mark Hughes said: "He is a great player, first and foremost. You don't play at a club like Real Madrid if you're not."

Hughes added: "He has been there from the age of nine, so this has been a huge decision for him. He is very well regarded there and for him to leave a club of that stature to come to us shows the belief he has in what we are trying to do.

"He has got great energy and is technically very gifted, as you would expect from a Real Madrid player.

"He is very comfortable on the ball and is an all-round excellent midfielder, which we will benefit from."

Granero told 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 c ontinue 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."

Hughes added: "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 tel l them.

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

Kamis, 30 Agustus 2012

Hoops agree fee for Granero

Granero: On his way to QPR

Acquiring Granero would be a huge coup for the west Londoners, who have been the busiest of all the Premier League clubs in the summer window.

The 25-year-old has impressed on the few chances he has had at the Bernabeu after moving from Getafe in July 2009.

The deal to sign Granero is subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Should he do so, then he will join the likes of goalkeeper Julio Cesar and midfielders Park Ji-sung and Junior Hoilett in signing for Mark Hughes' men since the end of last season.

Another possible player coming in is Marseille's Cameroon international Stephane Mbia.

Mbia, who can play at centre-half or a defensive midfield role, claims he is close to a move to Rangers after snubbing a switch to Fenerbahce.

Having won Ligue 1 in 2010 and three successive Coupe de la Ligue titles since moving from Rennes, he admits he is leaving with a heavy heart but is relishing his new challen ge.

"Marseille is still in my heart," he said. "I won my first titles here.

"I have chosen Queens Park Rangers despite a last-minute bid from Fenerbahce.

"It's a new challenge to enjoy. I always aim as high as possible.

"I am excited but calm over this move. I will discover another world."

Barton in Marseille medical

Barton: Undergoing a medical at Marseille ahead of potential move

A potential move had looked in doubt earlier this week when discussions with Marseille broke down, but Barton travelled to France on Wednesday for further talks with the Ligue 1 club.

It appears those have gone more smoothly, with the midfielder now in a medical with the Stade Velodrome side.

Marseille coach Elie Baup has confirmed the club are in talks with the midfielder, but stressed that a move has yet to be agreed.

Baup told OM's website: "Joey Barton is in the building. I don't know if it will be finalised today or how it will turn out."

Baup had praise for Barton's qualities as a player but warned that if he is to become part of the set-up at the Stade Velodrome then the controversial Liverpudlian must fit into the team ethic.

"He is someone who all the world knows," he said.

"He is an English box-to-box midfielder, he works hard on the pitch and can win the ball back well. He also uses the ball well.

"This is th e type of player that allows a team to play at a high tempo and to quickly recover when they lose the ball.

"He has to be part of the project, respect the team rules and work in the greater interest of the team. He must comply with these standards.

"His career indicates that he knows that already. And a player of character is often necessary."

The 29-year-old's relationship with QPR has deteriorated rapidly over the summer after his behaviour in the match against Manchester City on the final day of last season saw him charged with violent conduct and banned for 12 games.

The Hoops have frozen out the once-capped England international at Loftus Road, stripping him of the captain's armband and not giving him a squad number for the new campaign.

Barton has made it clear he wants to leave West London for Marseille and QPR have said they will allow him to leave on a free transfer.

Rabu, 29 Agustus 2012

Cesar agrees to join QPR

Julio Cesar: Excited to be at QPR

The 32-year-old has agreed a contract until the summer of 2016, ending his seven-year stint with Inter Milan.

Cesar, who has won 64 caps for his country, told the club's website: "I'm so happy and excited to be here.

"The ambition of this club was presented to me by the chairman and the coach and I couldn't have been more impressed.

"The desire to achieve things at this club is clear for everyone to see and I wanted to be part of that. I have come here to compete for the shirt and give my all."

Cesar, who won the Champions League and five Serie A titles with Inter, was spotted yesterday at Loftus Road, where he was discussing terms ahead of Rangers' 3-0 Capital One Cup second-round victory over Walsall.

Manager Mark Hughes was thrilled to add a goalkeeper of Cesar's quality to his squad.

"It's fantastic that we've been able to attract a keeper of such outstanding ability to the club," the Welshman said on www.qpr.co.uk.

"When the opportunity to sign a player of his quality presents itself, you have to act quickly and we've managed to get the deal done.

"It was always my intention to bring two goalkeepers to the club this summer and now we've got fantastic competition in that department."

Hughes added: "He's an outstanding individual, as well as being an outstanding player.

"Not only will we benefit from his ability, but we'll also benefit from his experience and winning mentality."

Cesar, who will wear the number 33 shirt, is likely to be in contention for the club's next home game against Chelsea - after the international break - on September 15.

And the South American cannot wait to get started, adding: "The English Premier League is the best division in the world.

"Everyone wants to play here and I am no different. Now I just want to give my all to the club and show the fans what I am capable of.

"This is a really exciting move for me and I can't wait to get going."

Cesar delight at imminent move

Cesar: Close to joining QPR

Brazil goalkeeper Cesar looks set to leave the San Siro for Loftus Road, where he was yesterday to discuss terms ahead of Rangers' 3-0 Capital One Cup second-round victory over Walsall.

The 32-year-old told SporTV News: "I am a bit surprised, but I am delighted to have been given the opportunity by QPR to come to London, learn English and play in the Premier League.

Cesar has spent the last seven years at Inter, winning five Serie A titles and the Champions League, but he appeared certain to drop down the pecking order this season.

He added: "It all started during my summer vacation when Inter suggested that I reduce my salary.

"No player in my situation would have done that - I am not a hypocrite and I can talk openly about this. It became a tough situation for both parties. I then spoke to my representative and I thought this was a good choice."

Minggu, 26 Agustus 2012

Park: Green won't be distracted

Green: Backed by Park

England international Green endured a nightmare debut following his free transfer from West Ham, with a blunder for the first goal putting Swansea on course to a 5-0 victory in the season's opener last weekend.

Kenny, who joined Championship outfit Leeds during the summer, sent abusive text messages to QPR chairman Tony Fernandes and technical director Mike Rigg following the game, mocking the result and Green's performance. Kenny has since issued an unreserved apology.

Green, 32, produced some good stops against former club Norwich in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Carrow Road and Park believes the whole issue is now behind them.

"He forgot things quickly, that is the good thing. Against Norwich, he was calm so it is good for us," said Park.

"We have only had two games. He has the ability so we just leave him and give him the confidence."

Park added: "We have not spoken about that [messages from Paddy Kenny].

"He is not a young playe r and has experience. Every player speaks to each other and if we have problems we sort them out.

"He is not worried about them, and showed that he is getting better."

While QPR offered little real attacking threat against Norwich, it was an improvement on their opening day debacle.

Manager Mark Hughes is expected to bring in more players ahead of the transfer deadline.

Park, signed earlier in the summer from Manchester United, said: "The most important thing is we did better than last week. It was our first away game and we got a point.

"We are working in the future to get better. Everyone knows we have ability but we need to improve a lot."

Sabtu, 25 Agustus 2012

Cook on the menu at Orient

Cook: Signed for Orient

The winger, 30, has been training with the O's for the last three weeks following his release from Loftus Road and has now put pen to paper on a deal taking him through to January 24.

Subject to the club receiving Premier League clearance, he will be available to play in Saturday's match against Hartlepool.

He spent two months on loan at Brisbane Road last term, scoring once in 10 appearances before ending the campaign with a similar loan spell at npower League One title winners Charlton.

QPR let him go at the end of the campaign, three-and-a-half years after paying 2.5million to take him across west London from local rivals Fulham.

Kamis, 23 Agustus 2012

QPR 'in talks' with Julio Cesar

Julio Cesar: Looks set to leave the San Siro

The Brazil international was a key part of the Italian side's Champions League win two years ago but now looks set to leave the San Siro.

Samir Handanovic arrived from Udinese this summer and Cesar has been allowed to speak to other clubs about a move.

Tottenham have been heavily linked with the 32-year-old but it is understood that QPR are in talks with the Inter goalkeeper.

The west Londoners' technical director Mike Rigg is speaking with Cesar's representatives to see whether a move to Loftus Road can be pushed through.

The news comes just days after summer signing Rob Green's blunder set Swansea on course for a surprise 5-0 victory at QPR.

The defeat also saw manager Mark Hughes step up his search for defensive reinforcements, and talks with Tottenham club captain Michael Dawson and Real Madrid's Ricardo Carvalho are understood to be ongoing.

Chairman Tony Fernandes has defended QPR's transfer policy and dismissed any sugg estion the club was "panic buying".

Speaking to talkSPORT, Fernandes also confirmed QPR were in discussions about new arrivals but said no deals had yet been completed.

"None of those deals that have been reported have actually been done. We have been talking on many, many fronts. When they're done we'll announce them, if they're done," he said.

"But there have been many things we have been trying to do over the last eight days."

Asked about Dawson specifically, Fernandes said: "I'd rather not comment. We are in discussions but QPR have got to run a sensible business. I think people out there think we are just throwing money and panic buying, all these kinds of words I hear. I think we are very calm at what we want.

"We have done some sensible business over the summer and we are not going to throw it away. We are here for the long run and we'll do things properly."

As well as bringing players into the club, there is also speculation about the future of midfielder Joey Barton, who is one game into a 12-match ban and has been linked with a season-long move to French club Marseille.

Fernandes said: "There are many things that are happening with Joey, and it's just like anything else, everything happens in the last nine days (of transfer window).

"Nothing's confirmed and he's very much a QPR player at the moment. He's done us proud in the past so we'll just wait and see what happens."

QPR complain over Kenny messages

Kenny: Allegedly sent abusive messages

Kenny, 34, joined the Championship side during the summer after it is understood he asked for a transfer, despite the Hoops hoping he would stay to provide competition for summer signing Rob Green.

The England international endured a nightmare debut following his move from West Ham, with a blunder for the first goal putting Swansea on course to a 5-0 victory in the season's opener.

It is understood Kenny sent abusive text messages to R's technical director Mike Rigg and Fernandes late on Saturday night and in the early hours of Sunday morning, mocking the result and Green's performance.

Rigg is also understood to have received calls up until 3am on Sunday, leading him to make a formal complaint to Leeds.

The accusations are likely to further damage Kenny's status at QPR, who he described as a "tin pot club" on Twitter in recent days.

Leeds manager Neil Warnock refused to comment on the matter at Thursday morning's press conference pr eviewing Saturday's Championship trip to Peterborough other than to confirm it is being dealt with internally.

"We have a club policy on Twitter and social networking. It's an internal matter and we will not be commenting further," he said.

Rabu, 22 Agustus 2012

Bluebirds snap up Hoops defender

Connolly: Cardiff switch

The versatile defender underwent a medical this morning before signing a three-year contract with the South Wales outfit.

"Matthew Connolly has joined Championship club Cardiff City," a statement on QPR's website read.

"The 24-year-old has penned a three year-deal in South Wales, after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the defender's services."

Connolly started his football education at Arsenal before loan spells with Bournemouth and Colchester.

QPR swooped for his services in 2008 and he went on to play a big part in the London club's npower Championship title-winning campaign of 2010/11.

However, the 24-year-old, who can play in any position across the back, struggled to make an impact at Loftus Road last season and spent the latter part of the campaign on loan at Reading, again tasting promotion to the top flight.

Connolly's departure comes as QPR are understood to be close to sealing a deal for Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, while Real Madrid's Ricardo Carvalho is also being heavily linked with a season-long loan switch.

Connolly will hope to make his Cardiff debut in Saturday's Severnside derby at Bristol City.

R's eye double defensive deal

Dawson: Set for talks with QPR

Despite landing a number of high-profile signings this summer, QPR began their season with a 5-0 home loss to Swansea on Saturday.

The defeat, which came in front of Hoops owner Tony Fernandes, looks to have convinced Rangers boss Mark Hughes that he needs defensive reinforcements and the Welshman has reportedly agreed a season-long loan deal with Real Madrid to sign former Chelsea defender Carvalho.

Carvalho enjoyed six successful seasons at Stamford Bridge before moving to the Spanish champions in 2010, but he is now surplus to requirements.

The 34-year-old Portuguese may complete his move to Loftus Road before the end of the week and Dawson could also become a QPR player in time for Saturday's game at Norwich.

Although Dawson is Tottenham's club captain, new Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas has decided that the England international can leave for QPR, who had a bid accepted for the player on Tuesday.

It is believed Dawson, who sign ed for Tottenham in 2005, will discuss terms with QPR in the next 24-48 hours.

The fee agreed between the two clubs is understood to be between 5.5million and 10million.

Ephraim handed new R's deal

Ephraim: New deal

Ephraim joined Rangers in 2007 and played regularly while the club was in the npower Championship.

The 24-year-old only featured three times for Rangers last term and was loaned to Charlton and Bristol City, but Hughes has still offered the former West Ham man a new contract.

"It's very pleasing to have my future sorted," Ephraim told QPR's official website. "There's been a lot of player movement - both in and out - so I'm happy that I've signed and I know where my future lies.

"The manager has been very good to me ever since he arrived here. He backed me up with a new contract last year and now another one this season.

"Now I'm looking forward to try to force my way into the 25-man squad and stake a claim for a place in the team."