Jim Magilton has expressed his delight after signing Alejandro Faurlin from Instituto for a potential club record fee of £3.5m. Elsewhere Damien Delaney has been talking about his time at Loftus Road.
Magilton caught everybody on the hop today by sealing the signature of Faurlin on a three year deal for what could amount to a club record fee of £3.5m. It had initially been thought that the Argentinean was simply coming to London this week to train, trial and talk about potential terms but by Tuesday night the deal was done. While the transfer is subject to international clearance Faurlin’s dual nationality is expected to smooth any potential issues on that front.
Speaking to the club’s official website Magilton said: “We've been watching the lad for some time. John Gorman recognised him a long time ago. We've seen him in action and on DVD's and assessed what he's about, but having him here for the last few days has given us a chance to see what he's really like and we've been impressed. He plays central midfield. He's got a lovely left foot, a great work ethic and in a 46 game season, he'll be a valuable player for us.
“We knew about his quality and ability, but his attitude over the last few days has been great too. I've signed an Argentinean before and the attitude and the hunger is apparent with Alejandro, as it was with Luciano Civelli. It's all happened pretty quickly, but we're delighted to have him here. He'll bring extra quality to the squad, there's no doubt about that.”
Faurlin’s big money capture has sent the feel good factor rocket around Loftus Road. Earlier today Peter Ramage told the club’s official website : “Saturday signals the start of the countdown to the big kick off in early August. We'll get the rustiness out and be focused on showing the boss what we're all capable of. It's been very good. It's all been football related and that's great for the lads. We've done specific football stuff and some five-a-sides, fun and games if you like, but the focus of it all is around keeping the ball and playing a passing brand of football. It's been really enjoyable and that's great for us because it builds team spirit.”
Elsewhere former R Damien Delaney has given an extensive interview to the Irish herald following his move to Ipswich who play Finn Harps in Donegal tonight as part of their pre-season preparations. Delaney told the paper: “It was a bit of a crazy time at QPR for the last while. I was lucky in that things were stable for me in the first few years of my career. I only had a couple of managers for so long, but we had so many at QPR. I think I played under five managers in two years there, and that kind of instability does you no good, so hopefully we'll have a good season with Ipswich."
Jake Cole has finally agreed to join League Two side Barnet on a permanent deal following a successful loan at Underhill last season and his release at the end of his QPR contract. Barnet manager Ian Hendon told the Barnet official website: “ I hope any future incoming transfers will be easier ... I have been trying to get Jake to the club since he went back to QPR.”
Jordi Lopez on the other hand is yet to complete his protracted move to Swansea despite all parties seemingly keen for it to be done. Lopez’s agent and former QPR midfielder Alex Bonnot told the South Wales media: “Jordi was put in a difficult position last season, then we had an opportunity for him to be back in the shop window with QPR. That was through Paulo Sousa. They had a very good relationship even though they were there for only a short period. They got on very well and they had a good understanding on the football side. For a manager and a player that's very important. When Paulo got the job at Swansea he got in touch with us and said he would like Jordi to come there. We were talking to other clubs, but Jordi was always waiting to see what would happen with Paulo. Jordi admires Paulo as a manager and Paulo admires Jordi as a player.”
The rumour mill has been active today with the Ealing Gazette stating there is interest in several QPR players. Akos Buzsaky is being looked at by Stoke, Mikele Leigertwood continues to interest Wolves, Gavin Mahon is linked with Scunthorpe and Dexter Blackstock continues to be targeted by Nottingham Forest according to the paper.
Elsewhere in the Championship today Sheff Utd’s preparations for the new season have been thrown into chaos with the news that goalkeeper Paddy Kenny failed a drug test after the play off semi final with Preston in May. Kenny, who shared the division’s golden glove award for the most clean sheets, claims the failure is the result of taking over the counter cough syrup but the experienced keeper could face a two year ban all the same. Middlesbrough have begun their preparations for a return to the second tier by adding Tranmere’s experienced goalkeeper Danny Coyne to their line up, Barnsley are trying to bring Charlton target man Andy Gray to Oakwell, Ipswich have signed winger Lee Martin from Man Utd after successful loan spells at Plymouth and Nottingham Forest previously. Leicester City are again attempting to sign Doncaster midfielder Richie Wellens, a bid of £1.2m is certain to test Rovers’ resolve to keep the former Blackpool man. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is stepping up his pursuit of Swansea striker Jason Scotland. Swansea have already turned down a £1.2m bit for him from Burnley but manager Paulo Sousa has not taken the player on the Swans’ pre-season tour of Portugal.