Redknapp embroiled in ´gang warfare´

Harry Redknapp says the transfer climate is like ‘gang warfare’ as he tries to lure Peter Odemwingie from West Brom to Queens Park Rangers.

Redknapp admitted on Monday he was unsure of his club’s ability to secure the forward’s signature and has now claimed that teams and agents “fighting for big money” is not helping matters.

“This transfer window, I have never seen anything like it,” Redknapp told reporters.

“Every agent seems to be trying to screw each other. It’s a bit like ice-cream sellers. Someone has nicked their pitch in Glasgow! Someone’s going to shoot them or something.

“It’s like gang warfare out there – it’s scary. If you’re trying to get a player, another agent will try to scupper that deal if he’s not involved in it to try to get you to have one of his.

“It’s unreal, unbelievable. They’re all fighting for big money – that’s the problem.”

Odemwingie handed in a transfer request on Friday to try to secure a move away from the Hawthorns, only for West Brom to reject QPR’s latest bid of two million pounds.

However, Redknapp has underlined his stance of refusing to pay more than three million pounds for the Nigeria international, with the transfer window set to close on Thursday.

“As much as the boy wants to come or doesn’t, I wouldn’t be paying (more than he is worth). There is a value I think he is worth and I would be saying don’t pay any more for him,” Redknapp said.

“I have not spoken to anybody, I’ve left it to the chairman. We made another offer, two offers. If they don’t accept them, what can you do? It’s end of story.”

Another player Redknapp is reportedly chasing is Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue, after previous target Moussa Sissoko opted to join Newcastle instead.

“He’s expensive. Maybe too expensive for us,” Redknapp said when asked about Capoue.

“But I like him. I watched him again last week. The money they are asking is quite expensive for us, so it would be a problem.”

QPR’s next match is at home to Manchester City on Tuesday.