Briatore plays down spending spree

R's supremo says summer plans have not changed

By James Pearson   Last updated: 25th March 2008

qpr flavio briatore stoke

Briatore: Programme not changed

We've put a programme together to strengthen the squad that's independent of the sponsorship.

Briatore
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QPR co-owner Flavio Briatore has stated the club's impressive new sponsorship deal will not mean a summer spending spree for Luigi Di Canio.

The West Londoners have struck a five-year sponsorship deal with Lotto Italia that could be worth up to £20million should they win promotion to the Premier League.

Briatore has confirmed QPR will strengthen come the end of the season, although he has hinted it might not be the wholesale changes the media are predicting for the Loftus Road outfit.

"I don't see the sponsorship deal changing our programme," he told Sky Sports News. "We've put a programme together to strengthen the squad, that's independent of the sponsorship.

"Luigi's done a very good job with the players. He's great.

Good job

"I remember when we took over the window was closed. In January we brought so many players together. To amalgamate everybody was not so easy and Luigi's done a good job.

"But credit to the players as well. They've responded as well. Of course we need to improve, but at least we have plenty of time to do that."

Meanwhile, Briatore has put to bed long-standing rumours the club could secure the services of Portuguese legend Luis Figo in the summer.

"Forget it. It's a lot of fantasy. He's good, but there have been a lot of rumours," he concluded.