QPR try to sign Italian banned in bets probe

Queens Park Rangers were today close to signing controversial former Italian Under-21 goalkeeper Generoso Rossi.

The 25-year-old arrived in London with his representatives yesterday and continued discussions about a long-term deal this morning.

Rossi had spells in Serie A with Lecce, Palermo and Siena but is serving a six-month suspension following betting irregularities.

He will be available again from 15 February and, as he is a free agent, there will be no fee involved.

Rangers chief executive Mark Devlin said: "We have done our homework on the player and it is clear that he is one of Italy's outstanding goalkeepers.

"Although we are fully aware of recent events, we would not consider a move for him if we did not believe that it would be of benefit to the club.