Derby County have missed out on the signing of Jack Clarke as Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers have confirmed his arrival at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
Football Insider claim The Rams were keen on signing Clarke this month.
The former Leeds United winger joined Tottenham Hotspur in a £10 million deal last summer. As part of the deal, he was loaned back to Elland Road for the season.
Leeds, however, barely played Clarke as he failed to make a single league appearance. Spurs subsequently ended his loan spell with Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Clarke’s ensuing availability seemingly alerted several Championship clubs. Derby, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Millwall and Fulham were all reportedly keen.
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But it is QPR who won the race to sign him on a loan until the end of the season.
It makes sense for Spurs to move him to the West London club where they can monitor his progress better while it should be easy for the player to settle in the capital.
Derby, meanwhile, have yet to sign a player this month. Manager Phillip Cocu hoped to get some deals done early, but the Rams have instead been extremely quiet.
The latest news regarding the upcoming Financial Fair Play charge may have played a part.
The Rams have lacked quality service from wide areas all season. Clarke, who boasts speed and trickery, could have been a very useful addition at Pride Park.
Also see: Reported Derby and Blackburn target in talks to sign deal with Championship rivals
Also see: Club owner admits turning down two Championship bids for reported Derby target