QPR boss flys to Morocco in bid to sign Spurs star
Neil Warnock took the extraordinary step of flying to Morocco this week in a bid to persuade Adel Taarabt his future is at Rangers.
Warnock is braving the 35-degree heat and 3,000-mile round-trip to Marrakesh to meet the midfielder in his own country following his succession of eye-catching performances last season.
The 21-year-old joined Rs on-loan for the second time last August from Tottenham, and during his 41 appearances in hoops scored a wonder goal against Preston in October – thus coming second in the Football League’s goal-of-the-season competition.
Warnock admitted he stood a better chance of talking Taarabt into a pemanent deal at Loftus Road if he met him face-to-face.
He said: “It’s difficult to discuss things over the phone, and I want to let Tarbs know we’re serious.
“It won’t be a question of a loan deal – and if he believes that we’re a club who will play in the Premiership the season after this one, then we need to sort something out with Spurs.”
Taarabt would cost a minimum £2million, and has already claimed he is a target for top clubs in Spain. But Warnock reckons he will remind the Moroccan international he is better off at a club that really wants him.
The manager added: “Does he want to jump into the unknown and languish in the reserves perhaps? Or does he want to play for a club that believes in him, and can further his career?”
