QPR and Stoke City Duel for Stephane Mbia

Wednesday, 29th August, 2012

Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City are both in discussions with Marseille over defender Stephane Mbia, according to French sports daily L’Equipe.

Marseille coach Elie Baup is resigned to Mbia’s departure, though has stressed that while the player remains at the Stade Velodrome he must give 100% for the club’s cause.

The French giants are already scouring the market for a replacement however, in a clear sign the Cameroon international is heading towards the exit door.

And the English Premier League should be the 26-year-old’s destination, with QPR and Stoke both desperate to add him to their ranks.

Mark Hughes’ QPR have chased Mbia for some time and are still considered to be in pole position to close a deal which could see out-of-favour midfielder Joey Barton go the other way.

But the Rs do not have a clear run at the Marseille star, as Stoke have not yet given up on taking the Cameroonian to the Britannia Stadium.

Following a disastrous showing in Ligue 1 last season, Marseille are under pressure to cut costs this summer and recently offloaded Spanish full-back Cesar Azpilicueta to Chelsea.

Now Mbia is also set to depart the Stade Velodrome. He joined the club in 2009 from Rennes and has long been rated as one of Marseille’s key players.

Baup and co. will feel his loss.