Warnock expecting Taarabt exit

Last updated : 05 July 2011 By Team Talk

The 22-year-old playmaker was a key catalyst in their Championship triumph last season and picked up the Football League Player of the Year accolade for his performances, leading to speculation linking him with a host of elite European clubs.

Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea have been mooted as potential destinations, while the likes of Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown an interest in the midfielder.

The latter have reportedly made a ?13.5million bid for the player and Warnock admits Taarabt's departure seems inevitable.

"He is missing his family in Marseille," Warnock told the London Evening Standard. "If we get a big offer from a club in France that obviously gives him a chance to be closer to them. That would be a big pull.

"PSG have made an enquiry and they obviously offer him the chance to be nearer to home, although there is a Spanish club being mentioned as well.

"As far as his talk of wanting to go to Chelsea or Arsenal, I know he has a lot of friends at Arsenal.

"Flavio Briatore [QPR's co-owner] is dealing with the negotiations. He is keeping me informed of the situation and at this precise moment he won't be leaving because no one has met the asking price."

Taarabt moved to England in 2007 to link-up with Spurs after rising through the ranks at French club RC Lens.

The Morocco international failed to establish himself at White Hart Lane but started to fulfil his undoubted ability after moving to west London.

Warnock believes his understanding approach has been key to Taarabt's change in fortunes and that the midfielder will eventually regret his decision to leave the club.

"My advice to him is to stay until Christmas, get some experience and show people what he can do. That may fall on deaf ears unfortunately. It's sad.

"I don't think I have ever spent so much time trying to get the best out of one individual and I think he will regret leaving."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk