<
>

QPR sign German striker Sebastian Polter from Mainz

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the signing of German striker Sebastian Polter from Mainz.

Polter, 24, signed a three-year deal with the Championship club for an undisclosed fee on Thursday afternoon.

The forward scored 14 goals in 29 appearances on loan at Union Berlin in 2. Bundesliga last season, and is excited about the prospect of playing at Loftus Road following the deal.

"It's my dream to play in England, so I couldn't be happier," Polter told the club's official website. "To play for Queens Park Rangers, at this stage of my career, is really good for me and something I am very excited about.

"It's a physical league, but I'm a physical player, a team player, and I feel I will adapt. I'm really looking forward to playing here at Loftus Road in front of the supporters."

QPR coach Chris Ramsey believes the striker can be a success in England, saying: "I am pleased to bring Seb in. He's a player who has been under the radar a little bit, and our scouts have done a good job in identifying him.

"I am really looking forward to working with him. He fits the description of what we need for the Championship, he's got a good goal-scoring record and looks a very good player.

"He reminds me of a Bobby Zamora of a few years ago, and if he can emulate anything like Bobby achieved here, that will be brilliant for the club.

"I am sure he will enjoy working with us. This is a great club for him to come to in order to prove himself. This is another piece of the jig-saw, but we are obviously still looking for more players."

QPR's director of football Les Ferdinand added: "We're delighted to have Seb here. He's a player we've scouted extensively -- and all our reports have been positive.

"He scored a lot of goals in the second tier in Germany last year and he's got great potential to keep improving as a player.

"There was lots of interest for him from Bundesliga clubs but he feels, as we do, that his game is suited to English football, and he has a great desire to prove himself in this country."