Carbone could be a Ranger

Last updated : 23 April 2004 By Mark O' Haire

The world is Ian Holloway's oyster as far as new signings are concerned.

And if the QPR boss fancies former Premiership star Benni Carbone he can probably be lured to Loftus Road for £3k a week.

That's the promise of new stakeholder Gianni Paladini who is expected to complete a £2million buy-in to the club this morning on behalf of other businessmen.

The millionaire agent survived a last-minute threat from Port Vale who warned Rangers of the failed Paladini bid for a £500,000 stake in the Potteries club in December.

Rs already had Paladini's money and the Vale warning came to nothing. Now the club hopes the man who looks after the likes of Carbone, Fabrizio Ravanelli and Juninho can use 30 years of football contacts to lure the cheapest and the best to W12.

Paladini said: "You think Carbone is too expensive for Rangers? Not so.

"Unless you're David Beckham, players are grateful these days for a good deal. Benni is only 32, and QPR have a history of good playmakers.

"Of course, it depends on what division Rangers are in at the end of the season, and who Ian Holloway wants.

"He makes the decisions, but there are great players in England, France and Italy who would be willing to come to this club, and they would make money out of bonuses - not straight wages."

Carbone currently plays for Parma, and scored a great goal against Juventus on Monday, but Paladini, who was alerted to Rangers' needs by his son Steven, who is a fan, is happy to settle for a trip to Plymouth on Saturday.

He said: "I haven't missed a game since Wycombe away, and I'm so excited to be involved with a great club."

Paladini's group is expected to take up 22 per cent of club shares, with a view to obtaining a controlling 51 per cent share later.