QPR’s Redknapp encouraged by Newcastle’s interest in Remy

Harry Redknapp is convinced that Queens Park Rangers’ new signing Loic Remy will be a success in the Premier League, drawing confidence from Newcastle United’s failed pursuit of the striker.

The Magpies have earned an impressive record for unearthing rough diamonds in Ligue 1 and polishing them into Premier League stars in recent seasons.

Much of their success is down to the now renowned Newcastle scout Graham Carr, who signed a new eight-year contract at St James’ Park earlier in the summer.

Carr identified much of the talent which helped Newcastle finish in the top five last season, including Hatem Ben Arfa, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse and Sylvain Marveaux.

But for the Magpies, Remy is the one who got away, with the Marseille forward completing an £8m transfer to QPR on Wednesday on a four-and-a-half year deal.

Redknapp has little doubts over the quality of his new signing, but any niggling concerns have been laid to rest with the knowledge that Carr was a keen admirer of the 26-year-old.

“Newcastle wanted him,” said Redknapp. “I think Graham Carr has done a very good job scouting for them and he’s not a bad judge.

“So if Carr wanted Remy as well… he hasn’t made too many mistakes for Alan [Pardew]!”

The QPR manager has made no secret of his long-term interest in the France international, who he first started watching over three years ago as a potential signing for Tottenham.

However, Spurs baulked at Remy’s transfer fee, reported to be £28m, and did not pursue a deal – so Redknapp is delighted the Hoops have now snapped up the forward on a much more economical deal.

“I noticed him three years ago. Stoke wanted to sign him but he didn’t sign for them. I was at Tottenham and we were interested in him.

“I went to Norway to watch him play for France, then I watched him play for Marseille a few times.

“But the fee at the time was in excess of £20m, so it was an expensive purchase for anybody. So when it came down to what it is now…”

What will Remy bring to his new club? Well, Redknapp believes QPR have been very predictable when trying to break down stubborn opponents this season, hampered by injuries to Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora.

The former l’OM star will add a different dimension to QPR’s front-line, with the French forward willing to run the channels and use his searing pace set to test defenders. In short, he should guarantee goals.

“I like his movement, he’s got pace, he can score,” added Redknapp.

“His movement is excellent. He’s a fantastic runner off the ball, coming, spinning, giving us a threat in behind which we haven’t had.

“We’ve been able to play up to Adel or Djibril but we’ve not had anyone making the runs.

“That’s where QPR have missed Andy Johnson this season. We could only come towards the ball, and he’ll give us something going the other way.”

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Read more on: Alan Pardew, graham carr, Harry Redknapp, loic remy, Newcastle United, Premier League, Queens Park Rangers.