Fulham striker Andy Johnson is another target for Warnock, who could be in hot water with the FA after accusing referees of being “star-struck” by big-name players.

QPR are keeping an eye on Nedum Onuoha and Sebastien Bassong, in case they miss out on Samba, and want Wayne Bridge on loan, as Express Sport revealed on Wednesday.

Neil Warnock wants the 6ft 4in Samba to shore up a defence which has leaked goals in a dismal run of six defeats in their past eight games but faces competition from Tottenham, with Harry Redknapp also a big fan of the Congolese centre-back.

Lampard knew what he’d done and said sorry – but it’s Frank Lampard.

Furious at the FA’s decision to uphold Joey Barton’s three-match ban and claiming players such as Frank Lampard, who escaped a red card in Chelsea’s win against Wolves on Monday, get an easy ride, he said: “Lampard knew what he’d done and said sorry – but it’s Frank Lampard.

“It’s not like it’s Joey Barton looking at you as a referee. But it doesn’t make it right.

“Am I surprised Frank Lampard commits a horrendous challenge and Peter Walton gives him a yellow card?

“If that had been Joey, [Karl] Henry, or any Tom, Dick or Harry, would that have been a red or a yellow card? It’s absolutely farcical and I’m disgusted by it.”