This from the DM ........................ Harry Redknapp has pulled off a transfer coup by finally persuading Yossi Benayoun to join QPR rather than Malaga. The former Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham attacking midfielder is heading back to English football to bolster QPRâs promotion push after accepting an 18-month contract at Loftus Road. Redknapp believes Benayounâs experience and creativity will prove crucial to QPRâs hopes of an immediate return to the Barclays Premier League and is looking forward to welcoming him to the fold after persevering with his efforts to beat Malaga to his signature. Sportsmail revealed over a fortnight ago how the QPR boss had persuaded Benayoun to jet into London to spend a few days training with them after being encouraged by news that a contract offer from Malaga remained unsigned, more than a week after it had been drafted. The Israel veteran was still leaning towards the La Liga side, according to sources in Tel Aviv, but Redknappâs powers of persuasion proved decisive after QPR decided to match the 18-month deal on offer in Spain. French side Reims also declared an interest in Benayoun, who was a free agent following his release by Chelsea, but it developed into a straight fight between QPR and Malaga, with Redknapp emerging the victor. It is understood that agent Pini Zahavi brought his influence to bear, by outlining the appeal of helping QPRâs promotion bid while Benayoun kept up his fitness levels during training sessions with Maccabi Haifa. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-promotion-push--exclusive.html#ixzz2mPOQAQfI Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
If true, it's great news. He's a very good player who has the abilty to open up defenses and scores goals, which seems to be what we are in most need of.
Another month passes, another statement that he is joining us. A great player but you'd think at this stage he'd just like to be playing, the season will have ended and he'll be 34 at this rate. Hopefully something official soon.
Completely agree. I am slightly reassured by the relationship he already has with Harry from their West Ham days, but still, another ageing mildfielder who was brilliant on his day, but will only be with us until his legs give way.
His experience and skill (and goals) are very much what we need. Fascinated how he will link in with Charlie. I am sure Charlie will be licking his chops at Yossi just playing off him.
I'd like to see some of the EDS squad get a look in, even if there just on the bench to begin with. With all the experience in the squad, we could afford to include some youth players in the Match Day squad - Mo Sherriff or the like.
another 2 years time he will rock up at the cottage, to young for us, he is a quality player, not as good as he was
Personally I'm also in the underwhelmed camp. An ageing ex scum player, nothing official just yet so lets wait and see what the terms are going to be if the rumors are indeed true. I'm willing to be proven wrong but my gut feeling is not a good one at present.
I agree with all of that. Chelsea's management are no mugs, and I can't see why they would've released him is they still rated him (see Bosingwa). I hope I'm wrong of course, but my worry is that he's past his best and is too lightweight for the championship. We'll see.
Not sure about this one. Yes, there's the age thing, but he has surely more to give than Jenas, O'Neill and Henry. Could be a real asset. Overall, decent punt I feel.
