West Ham United forward Mauro Zarate has joined Queens Park Rangers on a six-month loan deal.

The 27-year-old Argentine moved to Upton Park from Velez Sarsfield in the summer, but he has struggled to make an impact with the Hammers.

Zarate has scored two goals in eight appearances for West Ham so far this season.

"We're really pleased to bring Mauro in. He's a good footballer, someone with great ability who can play as a number 10," QPR boss Harry Redknapp told the club's official website.

"I first saw him when he was on loan at Birmingham (City) quite a few years back and I actually tried to take him to Portsmouth back then. He's a more-than-capable player, he's already shown that, and hopefully he can come in here and do well for us."

Zarate could make his debut for QPR on Saturday when they make the trip to fellow strugglers Burnley in the Premier League.