Premier League transfers: QPR sign Chris Samba

Samba, the former Blackburn centre-back, moved from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala after QPR triggered his release clause believed to be more than £10 million.

Leaving QPR is midfielder Alejandro Faurlin, who has joined Palermo on loan. West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie arrived at QPR ahead of a possible deal, with the Baggies believed to be in the market for Rangers winger Junior Hoilett as a replacement.

Meanwhile, Norwich have signed striker Luciano Becchio from Leeds in a swap deal for Steve Morison.

Argentinian forward Becchio, who has scored 19 goals for Leeds this season, handed in a transfer request at Elland Road last week.

Sunderland also swooped for a new striker and have completed the signing of Danny Graham from Swansea for £5 million.

The striker has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light, and Louis Saha has left the Black Cats by mutual consent.

Wigan have confirmed the signing of Paul Scharner on loan from Hamburg for the rest of the season. Scharner is returning to the DW Stadium having spent more than four years with the Latics before leaving for West Brom in the summer of 2010. AC Milan’s utility player Urby Emanuelson has joined Fulham on loan until the end of the season. The 26-year-old, a left-sided full-back or midfielder, has 16 caps for Holland and played for Fulham manager Martin Jol during his time at Ajax.

Fulham confirmed they have also signed defender Stanislav Manolev on loan until end of the season from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

The deal for the 29-year-old right-back comes with an option of two further years if he impresses Jol.

Aston Villa have announced the signing of French midfielder Yacouba Sylla from Ligue 2 side Clermont Foot.

Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, meanwhile, headed for German side Hoffenheim on loan for the rest of the season.

Reports in Spain suggested Arsene Wenger had started talks with Malaga’s Spain international full-back Nacho Monreal, although Arsenal were not available for comment.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alexander Doni is returning to his native Brazil to join Botafogo on a free transfer, while Newcastle completed the signing of Swiss 17-year-old defender Kevin Mbabu from Servette for an undisclosed fee.

Elsewhere last night, Stoke were closing in on signing Brek Shea from FC Dallas after the wing-back secured a work permit.

Shea impressed in a trial at the club and the Potters have agreed a deal with the MLS side.

All that remained late last night was for the 22-year-old to pass a medical.