Redknapp blasts warring agents

Published on 29/01/2013 02:03

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp thinks the battle to move players on during the transfer window has led to “gang warfare” between agents.

Redknapp has flown across the continent this month trying to bring in the players he feels he needs to drag QPR off the foot of the Barclays Premier League. The QPR manager, whose side Manchester City 
tonight, is desperate to make more signings before Thursday night’s deadline, having only brought in Loic Remy and Tal Ben-Haim so far this month.

Redknapp puts his lack of success in the transfer window so far down to agents, who he claims are employing underhand tactics as they bid to secure the biggest commission fees during an increasingly frenetic market.

“This transfer window, I have never seen anything like it. Every agent seems to be trying to screw each other,” the QPR boss told a press conference yesterday. “It’s like gang warfare out there – it’s scary. If you’re trying to get a player, another agent will try to scupper that deal if he’s not involved in it to try to get you to have one of his.

“It’s unreal, unbelievable. They’re all fighting for big money – that’s the problem.”

Redknapp, whose team are rooted to the foot of the table, some five points from safety, said he is looking to bring in “a few” new faces before 11pm on Thursday. He cast doubt on a potential move for West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie following his Twitter rant over the weekend, and also ruled out signing either Fulham’s Brede Hangeland or Jonas Olsson of West Brom.

“I would like to have them, but I don’t see their clubs selling them. They would be impossibilities,” Redknapp said.

Redknapp also played down talk of Scotland striker Jamie Mackie joining either Fulham or Norwich. “I have read in the 
papers that we have had offers for him, but they must have got lost in the post,” Redknapp said.