Odemwingie at Loftus Road to push through QPR move... but Baggies deny striker permission to speak to Londoners

Harry Redknapp faces a battle as he tries to sign Peter Odemwingie after West Brom released a statement saying they have not given the striker permission to speak to the Londoners.

Redknapp turned his attention to the Baggies forward after giving up on Peter Crouch at Stoke and Odemwingie was in London to push through a move before the 11pm deadline.

Negotiations between the clubs are ongoing and Rangers were confident of reaching an agreement and Odemwingie signing a £70,000-a-week deal.

But West Brom said on their website just after 8pm: 'Albion have moved to clarify developments regarding Peter Odemwingie after the striker was filmed a short while ago arriving at Loftus Road.

'The club can confirm they have held further discussions with QPR today but those talks have so far proven fruitless and no agreement has been reached. 

'Albion would also like to make clear that Peter has not been given permission to speak to QPR about a potential move.'

QPR confirmed West Brom's story was correct and that the 31-year-old striker had turned up at Lotus Road 'unannounced' and that he had 'been denied access to the stadium'.

Redknapp is a big fan of the player and said: 'Peter Odemwingie has pace, great movement. 

'I like him and is a player that has always given us problems when I was at Tottenham.

'I think if we can get Odemwingie he would be a great signing for us, but whether we can pull it off I am not sure.'

Odemwingie has been outspoken against West Brom on Twitter over recent days, but claims that is in the past now and is hopeful of playing a part in keeping Rangers up.

'It's fine. West Brom was my home but this is a new chapter. I love West Brom and always will,' he told Sky Sports News.

I am optimistic. A few good players have arrived here (at QPR) and I am happy with the trust Harry Redknapp has in me.

'The last few results have given us a chance to stay up. I don't think the owners will bring in so many players if they don't think it will happen.'

He added: 'It's not 100 per cent. I hope West Brom are happy with what they will get and they hope to get players themselves.'

The QPR manager has already signed Christopher Samba for £12.5million but looks set to be busy in the remaining hours.

Redknapp is also still chasing Tottenham trio David Bentley, Jermaine Jenas and Andros Townsend.

'I am trying to take the two lads from Tottenham on loan, Jermaine Jenas and Andros Townsend,' he told London Call-In.

'I managed the pair of them at Tottenham and JJ is a midfield player who can get from box-to-box.

'He is a good player, played for England, good lad and has a good attitude. I think he will be a good player for us.

'And Andros Townsend I think is a kid with a fantastic future. I like Andros an awful lot. He is a strong, quick, brave winger.'

Like Odemwingie, Jenas then arrived in west London and confirmed the plan was to sign an 18-month deal.

He told reporters: 'That's initially. I am fit and ready to go, it's a top club and I am confident the manager can make sure the club stays up. I know Harry well, spent a lot of time with him at Tottenham and know him well enough.

'It's a top club, has some good players and not in that bad a position. They're four points off safety and can definitely claw that back.'

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