Adel Taarabt’s move to Paris SG has fallen through and the Moroccan will now play for QPR in the Premiership, according to a wide ranging statement from owners Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore today.

News

Taarabt’s future has been the subject of intense scrutiny this summer and as recently as yesterday evening reports were being released that Taarabt had agreed personal terms with the Qatari owned Paris club and Rangers had settled on a fee of £8.7m for the reigning Championship Player of the Season. However this morning, out of the blue, QPR released a statement from Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore saying they had pulled out of negotiations to sell Taarabt and he would now be staying. The statement went on to rail against criticism of their running of the club from the fans and Neil Warnock and stated their intention to secure QPR as a Premiership mainstay.

Large parts of the full statement, published today on qpr.co.uk, had been mysteriously posted on the LFW messageboard last night by a new poster. The full official version read:

”'We are pleased to confirm that Adel Taarabt will be staying at QPR this summer. Despite receiving a substantial bid for our Moroccan international, we rebuffed all approaches and indeed, we are keen to build for the future in the Barclays Premier League, and not sell one of our prized assets. Should we have decided to sell Taarabt this summer, we made it clear to Neil Warnock that we would reinvest funds into the squad. Taarabt is fully committed to the club and is looking forward to proving his undoubted star quality for QPR in the Barclays Premier League. Our decision not to sell him only serves to reiterate the ambition and commitment we have both shown to QPR since we arrived here.

We are very encouraged by the 10,000 plus Season Tickets we have sold to date and we look forward to welcoming our fans back to Loftus Road on the first day of the season against Bolton Wanderers on August 13.”

Full reaction to today’s events will be on LFW later this evening.

If Warnock’s mood was darkened by what appears to be that public rebuke, he won’t have been cheered greatly by the news that Tottenham have loaned right back Kyle Naughton to Norwich for the season. Warnock spoke last week about his optimism that Naughton would be spending the year at Loftus Road but Norwich tied the deal up on Friday. Whether he will actually get in the Norwich team or not remains to be seen – manager Paul Lambert, who says the deal concludes his summer transfer business, says Naughton will merely boost “competition for places” and their current right back Russell Martin was runner up in the Norwich Player of the Year vote last season.

The comments from Warnock that seem to have spurred the board into action came in the wake of Wednesday night’s 1-0 win against League Two side Plymouth. Afterwards Warnock expressed his disappointment that he wasn’t involved in the Taarabt deal, and wouldn’t see any money from it for new players.

He told Sky Sports: “Flavio Briatore is dealing with all the transfers at the moment. He's dealing with PSG and Adel himself. I've just got to wait until he tells me one way or another. It would be nice to get it done because we've got to plan ahead. Adel wins matches. He would set the Premier League on fire. I hope things break down if I'm honest. You've just got to move on. I don't think I'll be getting any of the money. I've just got to look for Bosmans and look for shrewd acquisitions, loan players. Try and do it on the smallest transfer fee there's ever been. We'll be trying to survive on that."

New signing Jay Bothroyd limped out of the Plymouth game after barely half an hour after an innocuous looking challenge but both player and manager confirmed afterwards there was no lasting damage and the change had been made as a precaution.

On the same night a second string made up mainly of youth teamers won 3-1 at Boreham Wood. Antonio German bagged one of the goals from the penalty spot.

Still without Taarabt among their number the first team concluded its tour of Devon and Cornwall with a 7-0 win at South West Peninsula League side Bodmin Town on Friday evening.

Heidar Helguson, who scored a last minute winner against Plymouth on Wednesday, scored again as did Petter Vaagan Moen and Matt Connolly who netted against Tavistock on Monday. Trialist Danny Webber scored twice, as did Tommy Smith.

Shaun Derry picked up a nasty knock to his knee in that game but expects to be fit to play in the two outings lined up for the boys in Italy next week. Derry told the newly created West London Sport website: “I got a kick, unfortunately, but it should soon settle down. I would expect to be okay for the first game in Italy. That’s next week, so it gives me a few days to let it calm down. You get these knocks in pre-season. It’s all about trying to recover properly and getting ice on it at the right time. Obviously the flight there won’t help, but soon after that I’ll be able to deal with the swelling.”

Manager Neil Warnock told the official website: “We've had some good work-outs this week. The weather has been difficult but it's not stopped us doing what we want to do. We've used some excellent training facilities and we've had some good sessions in addition to the games. Now the players are going to get a bit of sun on their backs in Italy.The training and games will step up a little bit now.

"We've got a good set of lads, who get on well with each other. I think that's why these trips work so well. That's why I do it. I know the place inside out. It's a low tempo environment down here. The kids don't see many top teams. I think it's great for the kids to come and get autographs and see the players in the flesh - because they'll remember that forever. The people are great. We've also seen a lot of people that live in Cornwall and Devon who have been QPR fans for a long time. It's nice for them to have a home fixture.”

QPR: Kenny (Murphy 46), Connolly (Ramage 46), Hill (Orr 46), Derry (Hall 72), Perone (Shittu 46), Gabbidon (Gorkss 46), Webber, Vaagan Moen, Helguson, Smith, Faurlin (Ephraim 46).

Subs not used: Cerny

Young defender Max Ehmer has rejoined League One side Yeovil on loan for the first six months of the season. Ehmer, German born, impressed with the Glovers last season and will now return to Huish Park after being the stand out performer in the QPR second string pre-season so far this summer. Ehmer returned to the Yeovil line up for the first time today as they defeated Championship side Bristol City 1-0.

Hull City have suspended midfielder Jimmy Bullard for two weeks for misconduct. The Tigers are desperate to offload the injury prone midfielder who still has two years to run on a mammoth £45,000 a week contract at the KC Stadium. QPR were said to be interested in loaning the player, who won Ipswich’s Player of the Year award after a similar spell at Portman Road last season, for the season but were only willing to pay him £30,000 a week leaving Hull to foot the bill for the rest. Bullard was allegedly sent home from training last week by manager Nigel Pearson after turning up in a taxi from a night out in London.

And finally, brace yourselves, we have added a new date to the pre-season build up. QPR will travel, through choice, to Luton Town on Friday August 5. Word’s fail me.

Rumours

Bizarrely QPR continue to be linked with an outlandish £6m move for former Loftus Road favourite and current Spurs striker Peter Crouch. This would represent a radical departure from the transfer policy of the QPR board to date this summer, and it has to be said a step down for Crouch who is a regular under Harry Redknapp and will play European football at White Hart Lane this season.

Crouch told the Ealing Gazette: "I've got a lot of affection for the club, and loved playing down there when I was young. I certainly wouldn't rule out ever playing for QPR again."

Neil Warnock said: "If Crouchy wants to fit into the QPR wage structure, I'd welcome with open arms. But something tells me that isn't going to happen."

Oddly QPR are still being linked with moves for goalkeepers. The Mirror reports that all three newly promoted Premiership clubs are interested in American Marcus Hahnemann. The 39-year-old was released by Wolves at the end of last season. Rangers have already fielded former Ipswich man Brian Murphy in a trial game this week and signed up second choice stopper Radek Cerny for a further year at Loftus Road. Paddy Kenny is said to have turned down a contract extension in W12, and been linked with West Brom, but still has two years to run on his current QPR deal.

The Daily Mail reports that Rangers are competing with Wolves and Fulham to sign released West Ham midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger. A current German international, Hitzlsperger would be a superb signing for Rangers despite a catalogue of recent injury worries. However given that the Mail also linked Rangers with a move for Blackburn’s El Hadji Diouf last week when a quick check of their own news archive would give a clue as to why that could never happen, I’m starting to hold that newspaper in the same regard as I do Tribal Football who stopped featuring in the Diary a long time ago owing to its ongoing stream of bullshit.

Premiership Shorts

- Bolton boss Owen Coyle is set to raid his former club Burnley for two players. Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears have both been given permission to discuss Reebok Stadium terms after the two teams agreed a joint fee for the pair in the region of £3m. Bolton have allowed left winger Matt Taylor to move to West Ham for £2.2m.

- Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says he expects to sign a one year extension to his current contract taking him through to 2013. With Fernando Torres sporting a £50m transfer fee and Daniel Sturridge impressive at Bolton last season this puts the future of striker Nicolas Anelka in further doubt. Anelka has been linked with a move to the MLS. Chelsea have also reached agreement with Barcelona to sign 19-year-old midfielder Oriol Romeu but have played down speculation linking them with a move for Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku.

- Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has turned on newspapers and websites for misleading fans of the clubs with a barrage of false transfer rumours this summer. The Swans have recently been said to be showing an interest in James McFadden, just released by Birmingham, but Jenkins said: “It's turning into a farce. Supporters are being misled and fooled every day. I know speculation and rumour is part of football, especially at Premier League level."

- Stoke have been left sweating over the fitness of Jon Walters and Jermaine Pennant after both limped out of Friday night’s pre-season friendly at Brentford. A terrible error by goalkeeper Asmir Begovic gifted the League One Bees a thoroughly deserved 1-0 win. LFW was there, Stoke were awful.

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Photo: Action Images

French_Hoops added 21:48 - Jul 23 I wish I could see Chris Eagles playing for us...
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hoops58 added 22:18 - Jul 23 Bullard maybe, Crouch yes please, Luton No way!
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Spaghetti_Hoops added 22:37 - Jul 23 "The statement went on to rail against criticism of their running of the club from the fans and Neil Warnock" Sorry Clive I don't read that anywhere in the statement. These things are open to personal interpretation, and examination as to meaning and consequence, but I don't see railing against criticism there. They are certainly reacting. Which is a positive. Personally I don't share the pessimism of the doom merchants because I believe that the main motive of Ecclestone (and Briatore) is to sell the club at a profit, which they will not do if we are relegated. They had a window of opportunity to sell the club for the best price with the least outlay, but that window is coming to an end now, and with it the hopelessly skinflint approach to transfers. Further investment is required to protect their gains so far. OK it is all about money, which antagonises many fans, but there is a clear plan and logic there and a number of positives. The statement seems to signal a switch from short termism and a quick sale to more of a medium term commitment. Hence... "We are fully committed to strengthening our status as a Premier League Club next season and in due course, build for the future. Now we are in the Premier League, we intend to stay here. We believe this club can achieve great things and we are looking forward to the Barclays Premier League season." They didn't yesterday, but they do today. That's progress.

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NorwayRanger16 added 22:58 - Jul 23 Matthew Taylor to West Ham??? Are you f...ing kidding me?! He was one of my top targets this summer, albeit on the unlikely part of the list would you believe... And for £2,2 mill?! Half of my own valuation. Not sure if any of you agree with me on this but i think he could have been a brilliant signing that would have added versatility to our left side as well as goals and assists. ********************************************************************** Time to believe my fellow R's. Today we got our big "signing" re Taarabt. Surely the difference between selling him and not reinvest the cash, and keeping him, must give us tremendious belief. At least hope :-) 1-2 more quality signings, free or whatever and i'm ready for on he_l of a fight this season.

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OakwoodR added 23:15 - Jul 23 You can pick so many holes in their statement it's laughable really. Briatore flogged nearly all his shares to Ecclestone so is not a majority shareholder and the 4 year plan had us challenging Milan in Europe - goal posts moved but don't let facts get in the way!
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Northernr added 23:21 - Jul 23 Spaghetti - There will be a bigger article online tomorrow with my thoughts. I admire your continued optimism. Needless to say when they're publicly rebuking our manager (who they're now calling 'coach') and talking up Keiron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon it's not optimism I share.
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ade_qpr added 02:53 - Jul 24 must agree not much in the optimism stakes here. Beening half the planet away so not in touch as much with all the news but what are the other prem clubs doing eg how many play non league opp, tours of cornwall, don't have proper res's set up ( not even in prem res ), poor youth set up, 50 million plus for beening in the prem league and we have spent how much?????? yet owners back?? quieten?? the coach?? then say they want to remain in the prem? question how many years? 1 0r ?? Sorry but sell the club or turn it into a expensive hobby like most other owners, instead or trying to run a cheap cash cow.

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jamois added 07:58 - Jul 24 QPR? Cash cow? Comedy. I like both your view Clive and the more optimistic views. I feel there may be a very fine line between them.
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Myke added 08:16 - Jul 24 It's impossible to say if keeping Tarrabt is a good thing or not. If he sulks for not being sold then we can't use him anyway. Also Warnock has a very specific system to incoporate Tarrabt, even if he stays and then leaves in Jan can we suddenly change that system?
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JB007007 added 09:20 - Jul 24 I look forward to your article later today Clive. Like most of us here, QPR is an important part of our lives and the joy of promotion (eventually) in May has soured over the summer. A few things on that statement have annoyed me. 1) Taarabt and QPR were determined to go their separate ways, whats changed? Don’t get me wrong, we need players of his quality and flair if we are to stay up this season. Normally a chairman/owner will say the prospective buyer(s) have not met the asking price, but something else is going on here. 2) Our owners are committed to QPR. Really? Why has there not been a plan and budget set for our Manager for the forthcoming campaign. 3) Jay Bothroyd and Keiron Dyer were Neil Warnock’s top targets. OK, Bothroyd was probably a target, but Keiron Dyer – oh dear oh dear. 4) NW has basically had a rollicking for saying very little. The one thing that you can’t take away from Warnock is that he says it as it is and is an honest guy. I think he has done really well to only say what he has. If I were him I’d go and sod the money. I couldn’t work for those pricks. When is that fat orange twit and that undersized little twerp going realise that we have an extremely capable Manager that needs a sensible, workable budget to work with that is left to run the football side lock stock and fcukin barrel. Sorry for the long winded whingy comments Clive, but not for the insults.

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roeder added 09:41 - Jul 24 For me, a lot boils down to trust when talking about the Board. We've had some shocking Chairmen since Jim yet Chris Wright got the most stick despite losing most personally and being mainly guilty of backing poor managers and players. This release seems a clumsy way of saying the gang of Ecc & Bri are here to stay and they are going to do what they like. Of course what they have planned is the question but most assume it is financially led. Can anyone clarify how much these guys have put in and where we stand re Loftus Road? As I understand it the shareholders just replaced the ABC loan with one to themselves at an annual rate of 8% - a very high return. Surely we could just pay that off with the TV money and give ourselves £800k extra a year revenue?!

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Spaghetti_Hoops added 10:52 - Jul 24 Northern Don't see myself as an optimist. Hopefully a realist who tries to work out what is happening and why. Trying my best to see through the actions and statements to the reality. There is no point in taking issue with some of the less credible parts of the statement such as talking Dyer and Gabbidon up. This is PR fluff. An annoying part of the age we live in. Nothing more. The wife's a pessimist. You're a pessimist. The majority of the people on the message boards are pessimists when it comes to QPR. Sometimes it's painful reading the message board because of all the unnecessary angst out there. Angst which turns out not to be justified whether it's other teams hunting us down for the Championship, points deductions, Warnock going, Taarabt leaving......... Football's meant to be about entertainment, tribal irrational support for one team where you can let your hair down. We don't need all the anger and negativity. There is clearly have some tension going on between Warnock and the owners. Not necessarily a bad thing. It's not in QPR's interests to box either side into a corner or play that up. Warnock has been playing the "not being backed" card these past few weeks. If the Ecclestone strategy has changed, as I suspect, funds will be available and the poverty thing is being overdone. The statement says let's pull in the same direction. Oh yes very annoying for them to say that now, but by far the best thing for QPR.

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TonyH added 11:12 - Jul 24 Bernie & Flavio have clearly been hurt by the deserved criticism in the national press and from the comments made by Neil Warnock (the coach), thats clearly what he intended to do. But has it worked? QPR have no kit and no sponsor the main reason is because they thought they would sell the club by now, but no one is stupid enough to pay £100 million.They claim to be building for the future, though the clubs still up for sale.Adel is still there because they did not get a big enough offer. What did change is that they have promised if he is sold there would be that money to spend.They have 3 weeks to the kick off and 6 to the end of the transfer window, long enough to loan a couple of players and actually buy a few better than we have. At the moment Flavio's Boutique is more like Poundland (with the team wearing a kit covered with gaffer tape and all the frees injury prone).

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isawqpratwcity added 13:53 - Jul 24 Well I was wrong about that not being a leaked official post on the forum. For me it doesn't change much. They still haven't given NW a decent budget and told him to get on with it, as they should have. I'd trust NW to know the value of a prospective signing, both in terms of team structure/tactics and also in monetary value, than either FB or GP. At least the owners have expressed a commitment to staying up, but action speaks louder than words. Their preparation for the Premiership so far has been contemptible. As for the public disciplining of NW, it shows that they don't appreciate NW's skills or commitment to the team. His criticism's were both understated and well founded. I'm pleased that they wanted to leak to LFW. If they pay attention to this site, they'll be aware of my humble opinion of those c*nts, and why.

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