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Granero. Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport
Transfer Gossip

The Departures Lounge: Mark Hughes thinks he's playing Football Manager

Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero is the one of several targets the QPR boss wants to bring in before tomorrow night.

THERE WAS A running joke over the summer that Mark Hughes was trying to sign everyone. But with a day and half left until the transfer window shuts, that genuinely looks to be the case.

Fresh from buying himself a new goalkeeper in the shape of Brazilian international Julio Cesar, Sparky is going on a spending rampage in the hope of assembling a team that can secure the Premier League status before the last day of the season this time around.

In what would be another major coup for the Londoners, the Rs are close to wrapping up a permanent deal for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero.

The 25-year-old Spaniard was previously linked to Tottenham and Liverpool but, according to the club’s official Twitter account, an agreement has been reached between the parties and all that remains is personal terms and a medical.

Not content with that arrival, Marseille’s Cameroon international Stephane Mbia has made claims that he is on the way to Loftus Road too.

I choose to go to QPR, despite the late interest of Fenerbahce. I want to join one of the best leagues in the world. I am excited,” Sky Sports report him as saying.

Hoping to head in the opposite direction is Joey Barton, who is undergoing a medical with the French side sometime today.

After failed bids for Michael Dawson and Ricardo Carvalho, Hughes is eager to bring in another centre half and would love to sign Danish defender Simon Kjaer. The 23-year-old Wolfsburg player spent last year on loan at Roma and the German outfit could be willing to sell for the right price. Whether he would fancy playing in front of 18,500 is another story.

Going?

The talk yesterday was that Dimitar Berbatov was on his way to Serie A as Fiorentina has agreed a fee with Manchester United. A lot can happen in 24 hours however, and what seemed to be a done deal is not off.

The Italian side paid for his flight to Florence but the Bulgarian striker never showed up. Now it has emerged that he will remain in the Premier League and is having a medical at Fulham ahead of a move that would see him link up with former boss Martin Jol.

Man City aren’t quite done in the transfer market if reports that Inter Milan full-back Maicon is set to join the title holders are to be believed. A player once valued in the region of €30 million could now leave for just €6m.

Another switch taking place between Manchester and Milan is Nigel de Jong’s proposed move to the Rossoneri. The hard-tackling Dutchman is out of favour at the Ethihad and should depart for around €10m.

It seems that Scott Sinclair will get his wishes and leave Swansea for City after the two clubs finally agreed on a deal.

Going?

With the money brought in from Sinclair, Michael Laudrup will once again dip into his knowledge of La Liga and bring in Valencia winger Pablo Hernandez. The 27-year-old Spanish international played under Laudrup at Getafe in 2007 and is keen to join the Welsh club.

Elsewhere, Juventus have turned their attention to Nicklas Bendtner and Andy Carroll could still be going somewhere after Brendan Rodgers hinted that he doesn’t want to keep him. Stoke, meanwhile, could take Charlie Adam.

GONE!

The finishing touches are being put to a deal which will see Huddersfield star Jordan Rhodes join Blackburn Rovers for around €10 million. The 22-year-old scored 87 goals in 148 appearances for the Terriers.

Rodgers rules out further signings but Carroll could yet leave

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