Many fans of the Super Hoops are slightly puzzled as to why their team have been installed as the bookmaker favourites to win the Championship next season. While the likes of Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone are now involved at Loftus Road, QPR haven’t been splurging the cash all summer, although this latest acquisition will have turned a few heads.

The Daily Mirror reports that the west London club have signed Daniel Parejo from none other than Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal. It appears to be all about having friends in higher places for Iain Dowie’s team, with more exciting talents seemingly on their way.

Chairman Flavio Briatore used his friendship with Real president Ramon Calderon to seal a one-year loan deal for Parejo 19, fending off Arsenal, Deportivo La Coruna and Villarreal for the youngster’s signature.

And Briatore warned the rest of the Championship he is well connected at clubs such as AC Milan and Juventus and is not afraid to splash the cash on the cream of Europe’s talent. “I obviously have very good links with Real Madrid, but also with AC Milan, Juventus and other top clubs,” said Formula One supremo Briatore after completing the deal for Parejo, who starred at last weekend’s Emirates Cup.

Nice talent if you can get it. But surely, the creme de la creme of these European giants will baulk at playing in the Championship, even if they do get a nice day trip to Buckingham Palace on their days off. In addition, England’s second flight is a tough division to play in, where being physical and strong counts for a lot in order to win matches. Will QPR dazzle the opposition next season or is this very much a work in progress?