Redknapp admits he's desperate for QPR to tie up deals before deadline

Jan 29 2013 By Yann Tear

HARRY Redknapp is pinning his hopes on chairman Tony Fernandes working his magic to recruit players before the transfer window closes on Thursday – and admits he isn't sure how many will sign.

The QPR boss says the priority is a central defender to replace Ryan Nelsen, who has played his last game for Rangers – with Anzi's Chris Samba the number one target.

“I don't know how many we'll get,” Redknapp said immediately after Tuesday night's 0-0 draw with Manchester City at Loftus Road..

“We could get three or four. We could get none. You just don't know, do you. But none would leave us in trouble. I need a central defender, that's for sure.”

Redknapp continued: “The chairman's working on several options. I've given him a list of players and he's tried to get one or two for us.

“He's dealing with it [the Chris Samba deal] and I don't know where we are with it. The chairman asked me a week ago whether I'd be interested if he could get me Samba and I said of course. I think he's a fantastic competitor. I've left it solely in his hands.”

Redknapp said the threadbare nature of the squad was obvious against Man City – with two keepers on the bench and two players absent.

“We had two goalkeepers on the bench, because there's nobody else,” he said.

“Jamie Mackie pulled out with a back injury and DJ Campbell heard his father was very very ill today, so I let him be with his dad today.

“We're working very hard to get in new players, but it's not easy. We are struggling a bit. We lose Ryan Nelsen now and I haven't got a replacement.

“I let Anton Ferdinand go and we're desperately short, when you look at the squad tonight – and one or two of those lads are looking to go out still.”

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