Diakite delight at QPR move

Samba Diakite says it is a 'dream come true' to have moved to the Premier League after completing a loan switch to QPR from Nancy.

Midfielder finalises loan switch with view to a permanent deal

Samba Diakite says it is a 'dream come true' to have moved to the Premier League after completing a loan switch to Queens Park Rangers from Nancy. French side Nancy confirmed on Sunday evening that Diakite had agreed to move to Loftus Road after attracting interest from a host of clubs. Diakite, who is on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Mali, flew in to London on Sunday to undergo a medical before heading back out to his international team-mates. He has linked up with QPR for the rest of the season, with a view to a permanent deal, and he is looking forward to playing for Mark Hughes' side.

Delighted

"It is a dream to join a Premier League club," Diakite told the club's official website. "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 Cup of Nations and give my all for the club. It is a very exciting move for me." Lyon were among the clubs to have shown an interest in Diakite and QPR boss Hughes was delighted to win the chase for the 23-year-old. Hughes said: "Samba is a young player who has made an impression on French football. "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. "He will give us more physical presence and athleticism in the middle of the park so he is going to be a good addition."