QPR ‘not close’ to deal despite Zarate talks

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Harry Redknapp has insisted that QPR are not close to completing a signing despite being widely expected to finalise a loan deal for West Ham’s Mauro Zarate.

The out-of-favour Hammers striker, 27, had a medical last week ahead of a possible loan move to west London and talks are scheduled to take place this week.

But he is one of a number of potential signings being considered by Redknapp, who is likely to bring him in if other possible deals do not look like progressing.

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“We’re looking for loans and I really haven’t got a clue as to where we’re going to find any.”

“We’re not close to doing any deals at all. Not a thing,” Rangers boss Redknapp said.

“We’re looking for loans and I really haven’t got a clue as to where we’re going to find any at the moment. I don’t know where you find anybody on loan at this time of year.

“Who are you going to find on loan who is going to come and make a big difference to your team? It’s very difficult.”

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, meanwhile, believed the deal to take Zarate to Loftus Road was as good as done.

Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Sunderland have also been linked with the player, who spent time on loan at Birmingham City in 2008 and has played for Inter Milan and Lazio.

Allardyce said: “It was all done and dusted for QPR but that doesn’t seem to be the case at the moment for whatever reason.

“I think the problem is with Mauro is if he played better here he would have played more often. Whether he can do that away from here or not, I don’t know.

“I have no idea if any other club has shown an interest in him other than QPR.”

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