QPR complete Diakite loan signing

Jan 30, 2012, 15:50 GMT

London - Premier League side QPR on Monday completed the loan signing of Mali defensive midfielder Samba Diakite from Nancy.

The 23-year-old has joined until the end of the season when QPR have the right to make the transfer permanent.

'Samba is a young player who has made an impression on French football,' QPR manager Mark Hughes told the club website.

'There has been a lot of interest in him from top clubs in France so we have done really well to get him in.

'He is a good age, has got strength, power, can carry the ball and can score goals from midfield on occasions.'

Diakite, who was in Gabon at the African Nations Cup, flew to London for a medical on Sunday, with the required paperwork completed on Monday.

'It is a dream to join a Premier League club,' Diakite said. 'The board and the manager have big ambitions to achieve and I am delighted to join a club with such goals.

'I have always enjoyed watching English football and I can't wait to return from the African Nations Cup and give my all for the club. It is a very exciting move for me.'

Mali face Botswana on Tuesday with a win almost sure to see them through to the quarter-final.

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