London, England –  QPR has completed the signing of Nancy midfielder Samba Diakite, it was confirmed on Monday.

The Mali international heads to London on loan for the rest of the season with the club having the option to make the move permanent over the summer.

"Samba is a young player who has made an impression on French football," QPR manager Mark Hughes told the club's official website. "There has been a lot of interest in him from top clubs in France so we have done really well to get him in."

The 23-year-old is currently on international duty with Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations and he made 15 Ligue 1 appearances for Nancy this season.

Diakite becomes the third signing by Hughes this month, joining defenders Taye Taiwo from AC Milan and Manchester City's Nedum Onuoha.

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda also arrived at Loftus Road on loan earlier this month just prior to Hughes taking over as manager.