Queens Park Rangers have announced that midfielder Samba Diakite has signed a four-year deal at the Premier League club.

The 23-year-old, who moved to Loftus Road from Rangers on a loan agreement last season, has expressed his delight in signing for the West London outfit on a permanent basis.

"I loved my time here on loan and I couldn't be happier to join QPR on a permanent deal," Diakite told the club's official website. "It's a fantastic club to play for and the owners have great plans for the future - I am just delighted to be part of it. This is a really exciting move for me."

R's boss Mark Hughes added: "Samba was a real find for us in January, so we're delighted he's joined us permanently. He's a very accomplished footballer and he's made to measure for the Premier League.

"He's got good pace, strength and ability on the ball and he's going to be a great asset for us going forward. There's still so much more to come from him.

"He's only been exposed to the Premier League for a handful of games, so I'm sure he's raring to go and get back into the action again."

Diakite has become QPR's fourth signing of the summer following the acquisitions of Robert Green, Andy Johnson and Ryan Nelsen.