Christopher Samba has passed his medical at Queens Park Rangers ahead of his move to Loftus Road after the Premier League strugglers met the £12.5million release clause in his contract, according to the
Daily Mail. The former Blackburn Rovers defender only joined Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala last year, but is set for a return to the Premier League. QPR manager Harry Redknapp said on Thursday morning:
"Samba has signed and that is a massive signing for us. That is the key one. "He has passed his medical. He was having that last night so it shouldnt be a problem."
Samba has been playing for Anzhi but manager Guus Hiddink admitted defeat in holding on to the player. The former Chelsea boss said:
"He left for England yesterday. I hope that today or tomorrow we'll find out what has really happened. "It's a shame to talk about this but he didn't even say goodbye, he didn't explain anything to us. "Whatever happens to you, you should take into account the people with whom you work. "It's not a great situation for us. He started the pre-season camps with us but then suddenly in the last few days he started to make contact with England, that's despite still being on contract with Anzhi."
Rangers chairman Tony Fernandez is understood to have consulted with Harry Redknapp over the transfer last week, and is tying up the deal himself. The Hoops expect the player to be registered in time to make his debut in the must-win relegation scrap with Norwich at the weekend, and are desperate for central defenders as Ryan Nelsen played his final game in the 0-0 draw against Manchester City on Tuesday evening before his move to manage Toronto this week. Redknapp came close to signing Samba when he was manager of Tottenham, but missed out when Anzhi offered him a lucrative financial package to move to Russia instead. The player's family still live in England however and he is said to be keen on a return. Meanwhile, Alejandro Faurlin's loan-move to Palermo looks to be one step closer after being given permission by QPR to discuss a move with the club. Sky Sports News also report that Spurs players Jermaine Jenas, Andros Townsend and David Bentley could arrive at Loftus Road before the end of the window.