Taarabt hints at transfer

Adel Taarabt has raised the stakes in his contract tussle with Queens Park Rangers by hinting he could leave the promoted club.

Taarabt was instrumental in QPR’s success in the Championship last season, finding the net 19 times and picking up a league-best 17 assists as the London club fought their way back to the English Premier League.

Now, the Morocco international feels he deserves a payday for his efforts in helping QPR gain promotion, but has seen his requests stonewalled by the club.

Taarabt said he was insistent he will not stay for the same wages as the club is likely to end up back in the Championship before too long.

“I helped QPR win promotion but they will not offer me a better contract. They say I am already on big wages,” Taarabt told the Mail on Sunday.

“They want me to stay four years on the same terms. But I don’t want to sign for four years then after one year I am going to be back in the Championship.”

“No disrespect, but if we keep the same players, it will be very difficult to stay in the Premier League when you are playing Man United and Chelsea.”

“I understand that QPR have changed my life. People had almost forgotten me when I joined from Tottenham. But I don’t think they are being fair to me.”

Newcastle United have reportedly expressed an interest in Taarabt, who moved to QPR after finding first-team opportunities scant at White Hart Lane.

Asked if he would be interested in a move to the Magpies, the 22-year-old said: “People say Newcastle will be good for me, that the fans love players like me.”

“It is fantastic to play in front of 50,000 supporters every week. I do not need one of the very big clubs at this stage.”