Nancy’s Malian international midfielder Samba Diakite has joined Premier League side QPR on loan until the end of the season.

The deal will become a permanent transfer if QPR manage to avoid relegation.

Mark Hughes’ side are in 16th place in the English elite, two points above the relegation places.

Diakite, who turned 23 this week, is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon with the Mali national side.

Nancy said he was allowed to travel to London to undergo a medical examination and sign his contract by Mali coach Alain Giresse before returning to link with his international colleagues.

According to the website of French sport daily L’Equipe, Nancy president Jacques Rousselot says that Diakite’s permanent transfer would cost QPR 4 million euros ($A4.95 million).

He had previously been strongly linked with a move to Lyon.