QPR follow Cesar coup by launching £9m raid for Real star Granero

Queens Park Rangers have launched a £9million bid for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero.

The 25-year-old, known as El Pirata or The Pirate, has been wanted by Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham but Mark Hughes hopes to persuade him to become the main playmaker at Loftus Road.

Target: Real Madrid's Esteban Granero (left)

Talks were ongoing over a fee on Wednesday night, with the Spaniard keen on regular football. Granero is a stylish passer with an eye for goal.



He is highly regarded in Spain but finds himself on the periphery because of Real's array of talent.

Hughes is also hoping to bring in Marseille midfielder Stephane Mbia for £5m with Joey Barton heading the other way on loan.

Cameroon star Mbia, 26, had talks at Rangers and is due to return for further medical tests. Stoke are also interested. Barton had his Marseille medical and hopes to finalise his move with QPR willing to agree to a free transfer.

Marseille coach Elie Baup said: 'Barton has to be part of the project, respect team rules and work in the greater interest of the team. His car eer indicates he knows that already. And a player of character is often necessary.'



