QPR to sign Mauro Zarate

Queens Park Rangers have agreed a deal in principle to sign Argentinian forward Mauro Zarate on loan from West Ham until the end of the season. The former Birmingham City striker has been told that he can leave Upton Park.

Despite a somewhat impressive start to life at the Hammers, manager Sam Allardyce appears to prefer other players instead of the little Argentine.

The 27-year-old will arrive at Loftus Road until the summer and then it is understood that QPR have the first option on a permanent deal.

Zarate told reporters: "I am happy. I need this, I need to play and Queens Park Rangers have given me this chance to show what I can do.

"The Premier League is the best in the world at this moment. Does my style suit the Premier League? Maybe. We will see!

"When I met the manager he told me he wanted to sign me for Portsmouth before, but in that moment I went to Lazio. But now I am here and will play for him."