Hughes closes on African swoop

by Setanta Staff , 30 January 2012 football news

QPR are closing in on the loan signing of Mali midfielder Samba Diakite, who will arrive from French outfit Nancy.


Mark Hughes has been busy since the transfer window opened and the signing of the 23-year-old will follow on from the arrivals of Nedum Onuoha and Taye Taiwo.

Diakite is currently at the African Nations Cup but Nancy have confirmed that a deal has been agreed and the midfielder now just needs to put pen-to-paper once he has passed a medical.

A statement on Nancy's website read: "Samba Diakite is officially on loan to English club Queens Park Rangers until the end of the season. This loan will change automatically to a permanent transfer if the London club, currently 16th, stay clear of the relegation zone."

Currently in Gabon with the Mali squad competing in the African Nations Cup, the player has received permission from coach Alain Giresse to make the round trip to London to undergo a medical and to sign his contract.

Diakite is unlikely to be the last signing before the closer of the transfer window as Hughes pursues other targets.

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