Fernandes moves closer to defender deals

QPR appear to have made significant progress in their attempts to lure centre-backs Rolando and Chris Samba to Loftus Road.

Both are long-standing targets for Rangers and the club have been planning to move for them in this transfer window for several months.

They tried hard to sign Samba, 28, before he was transferred from Blackburn to Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala last year.

And Rolando, 27, has rejected previous approaches from them, both since Harry Redknapp took over as manager and while Mark Hughes was in charge.

But chairman Tony Fernandes remains keen to sign them and continue the club’s huge spending on players from around the world.

Samba is believed to be keen on a return to the Premier League, while Porto are willing to sell Rolando if the Portugal international can be persuaded to sign for the R’s.

Redknapp explained: “Tony asked me about a week ago if I’d be interested in Samba if we could get him and I said that of course I would be.

“Rolando’s a very good player. I’ve spoken to him and he was great, but whether we can get him to come I’m not sure.

“We definitely need a centre-back. We’re losing Ryan Nelsen and need to replace him.”

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