QPR boss Harry Redknapp keen on signing former Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra before start of Premier League French midfielder played under Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth The 29-year-old was integral as Pompey won the FA Cup in 2008 Redknapp paid £5.5million for him, and sold him to Real Madrid for £18.8m He has since played for Anzhi Makhachkala and Lokomotiv Moscow Diarra would cost in the region of £6m though QPR are looking into a loan Napoli are also keen on Frenchman despite his desire to return to London Redknapp wants four more signings, with a striker and left-back priorities By DEREK HUNTER PUBLISHED: 22:53, 9 August 2014 | UPDATED: 22:53, 9 August 2014 View comments QPR are launching a bid to sign Lassana Diarra from Lokomotiv Moscow. Diarra, 29, blossomed under manager Harry Redknapp while at Portsmouth and was part of the 2008 FA Cup winning side. Redknapp had paid a bargain £5.5million to rescue him from Arsenal where he was struggling to make a breakthrough. Just a year later he sold Diarra to Real Madrid for £18.8m. Galactico: Diarra in action for Real Madrid after he moved to the Bernabeu following his spell at Portsmouth The France international was a favourite at the Bernabeu for his sharp tackling and willingness to play in different positions but, ultimately, was crowded out by their recruitment of galacticos and was sold to Anzhi Makhachkala before swiftly moving again to Lokomotiv. Redknapp is eager to bring a quality defensive midfielder into his side to protect Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker. Diarra would cost around £6m but may be allowed to leave on loan if QPR pay his £80,000-a-week salary. The good old days: Samir Nasri and Lassana Diarra in training with France in 2010 at Clairefontaine Napoli are also keen but Diarra has told them he would prefer to go back to London. Redknapp wants four more signings, with a striker and left-back among his priorities. He has also enquired about Marseille midfielder Morgan Amalfitano, who is available for free and has an agreement in place with West Ham.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 13:17:43 +0000