Redknapp’s focus is points

HARLINGTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: QPR Manager Harry Redknapp talks to the media during a Queens Park Rangers press conference at Harlington Sports Centre on November 30, 2012 in Harlington, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

HARLINGTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: QPR Manager Harry Redknapp talks to the media during a Queens Park Rangers press conference at Harlington Sports Centre on November 30, 2012 in Harlington, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Published Nov 30, 2012

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London – New Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp says his side's need for points is so pressing that he has not had time to think about potential targets in the January transfer window.

QPR are currently four points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League table and host fellow strugglers Aston Villa on Saturday in what will be Redknapp's first home game at the helm since he replaced the sacked Mark Hughes.

The former West Ham United, Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur coach is renowed for his ability to uproot bargains in the transfer market, but he says there will be no point buying new players if QPR's performances do not improve.

“I'm not looking at January. It's about now. There are games between now and the window that will decide where we're going,” Redknapp said on Friday.

“If we don't pick up some points and wins in that period, what's the point of putting yourself in trouble trying to buy players?

“That way you could get lumbered with a big wage bill for next season. It's not the situation we want.

“We need to pick some points up. If we're in the mix then we can take a look at it again in January.”

Redknapp's arrival at QPR has prompted a raft of transfer rumours, but he dismissed reports linking the club with Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole, Marseille forward Loic Remy and former England captain David Beckham.

“Darren Bent's a good player – Villa paid £20 million ($32 million, 24.6 million) for him. I haven't asked about him,” said Redknapp.

“I was interested in Remy at Tottenham. That was then, now is a different situation. He'd be expensive. It depends on how we're going in January.

“I've always liked Joe – I signed him as an 11-year-old (at West Ham). No-one knows him better than me. There's still a top player in there.

“I like him as a person as well as a player, but I've not made any enquiries. I tried to take him to Tottenham, but he joined Liverpool.

“David's a top bloke, he'd be an asset to anyone just because of his presence and professionalism. But it's not something we're pursuing.” – AFP

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