• Championship

QPR line up McCarthy loan deal

Harry Harris
January 4, 2011
Benni McCarthy has made little impact since joining West Ham a year ago © Getty Images
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ESPNsoccernet understands Championship-leaders QPR have made a bid to take West Ham United striker Benni McCarthy on loan.

QPR have offered to pay some of McCarthy's £50,000-a-week salary and would then be prepared to make a permanent move if they secure promotion to the Premier League.

West Ham are open to offers for McCarthy and even England striker Carlton Cole as they attempt to sign two new strikers.

The Hammers have bid for the £6 million rated Senegal international Demba Ba, who is also on Blackburn's wanted list.

Ba has scored six goals so far this season in the Bundesliga, and Hoffenheim are keen to secure a cash deal for the striker. However, while Blackburn are willing to take the player on a permanent deal now, the Hammers have asked to take him on loan until the end of the season.

West Ham remain in the hunt for Tottenham forward Robbie Keane, but they face stiff competition from Newcastle United.

It now appears West Ham could back out of the deal to sign Steve Sidwell from Aston Villa. A transfer had been agreed and Sidwell underwent a medical at Upton Park but completion of the deal has been delayed.

With West Ham still £80 million in debt, they are weighing up all their options and, with Mark Noble returning from injury and the club determined to keep Scott Parker, their priorities are in attack and defence.

The deal has not yet foundered, but two other Premier League clubs - Wolves and West Brom - have expressed interest in Sidwell.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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