Samba beaten by Odemwingie for drama (From Hampshire Chronicle)
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Samba beaten by Odemwingie for drama
9:45pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in National Sport News © Press Association 2013
Peter Odemwingie is seeking a move to QPR
QPR broke their transfer record on a hectic deadline day but the signing of Christopher Samba was overshadowed by a bizarre situation involving Peter Odemwingie.
Hoops manager Harry Redknapp confirmed he was interested in signing West Brom striker Odemwingie and, while he was speaking, the Nigerian international drove to London and addressed a waiting media scrum, making comments to suggest he was set to seal a deal to Rangers.
That was immediately contradicted by West Brom who issued a statement to say he had not been granted permission and QPR then told Press Association Sport that West Brom's story was correct and that the 31-year-old striker had turned up at Lotus Road "unannounced" and that he had "been denied access to Loftus Road".
The stories of both clubs appear to suggest that Odemwingie is trying to force a move through, with his arrival in the capital the latest in a long line of attempts to make a switch happen.
Last week he had a lengthy outburst about the situation on Twitter, but when speaking on Thursday he suggested everything was sorted.
He told Sky Sports News: "It's fine. West Brom was my home but this is a new chapter. I love West Brom and always will.
"I am optimistic. A few good players have arrived here (at QPR) and I am happy with the trust Harry Redknapp has in me. The last few results have given us a chance to stay up. I don't think the owners will bring in so many players if they don't think it will happen.
"I hope West Brom are happy with what they will get and they hope to get players themselves."
Earlier in the day, the capture of centre-half Samba on a four-and-a-half year deal was confirmed, with the former Blackburn man moving from Anzhi Makhachkala after Rangers triggered a release clause, believed to be in the region of £10million.
"Chris is just what we need," said Redknapp. "He's a monster. Great in the air, quick, a leader, strong, fantastic in both boxes, hard as nails. He's a proper centre-half."
