QPR transfers: Redknapp doubts Hoops can land Crouch and Samba
QPR transfers: Harry Redknapp plays down the chances of the Hoops landing Peter Crouch and Chris Samba before deadline
Harry Redknapp has played down Queens Park Rangers’ chances of signing Stoke City striker Peter Crouch and Anzhi Makhachkala defender Chris Samba.
The Hoops had been linked with a move for Stoke’s England striker, who has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot at the Britannia Stadium outfit this term.
The 31-year-old has scored a paltry four goals in 19 Premier League appearances for the Potters, starting just one game since a victory over Fulham in late November.
Redknapp previously worked with Crouch at Porstmouth and Tottenham, but the QPR manager doesn’t expect Tony Pulis to allow the striker to leave before Thursday’s deadline.
“These are two players whose names have been mentioned but at the moment we’re not close to doing anything,” Redknapp told BBC Sport.
“Crouch’s name came up in a meeting with the chairman but I don’t think Stoke want to sell him.”
Anzhi defender Chris Samba has been a name regularly linked with the west London club since the Congo international completed a move to Russia in 2012.
With Samba’s former Blackburn team-mate Ryan Nelsen set to play his last game for QPR against Manchester City on Tuesday, Redknapp is chasing a centre-half.
But the 65-year-old doubts QPR can complete a swoop for the gigantic centre-half, with the Hoops hoping to get a work permit for South Korea left-back Yun-Suk Young.
“On Samba, again the chairman is dealing with this. At this stage I don’t think that’s a goer,” he added.
“I like Christopher Samba and he is a very good player but at this stage I don’t see him leaving Russia.
“Things can changes but at this stage we’re not close to doing anything.”
