Queens Park Rangers close in on Taye Taiwo loan deal

Taiwo has found first-team oportunities limited at AC Milan

Queens Park Rangers are close to signing AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo.

The 26-year-old joined Milan from Marseille last summer but has struggled for a regular first-team place.

Taiwo had been linked with a January move to Arsenal but now looks set to join QPR on loan, with completion of the deal subject to a work permit.

The west Londoners confirmed the Nigeria international is "very close" to signing on their official phone-in show, London Call-In.

QPR said: "We are waiting for everything to be put into place before we make an official announcement".

Taiwo is expected to sign a six-month loan deal and was pictured with manager Mark Hughes on Twitter on Thursday.

Joey Barton has also been on the social network this evening, posting: "Taye Taiwo from AC Milan signing for the Rs.

"Was very good when I have seen him for Marseille. Good news. First of many, fingers crossed."

Taiwo is one of several players linked strongly with moves to Loftus Road, with fees already agreed for Nedum Onuoha, Alex and a loan deal for Brazilian youngster Henrique.

On Thursday, Hughes admitted that the club had made another bid for Blackburn defender Chris Samba but added: "There comes a point where you need to draw a line under some deals because you think they're not going to progress."

Hughes also said there are "still conversations going on" with Chelsea defender Alex.

The Brazilian defender, 29, has been told he has no future at Stamford Bridge after handing in a transfer request.

Rangers sources said on Saturday a deal had been agreed after an improved bid for the centre-half, but Hughes refused to confirm this.