QPR sign Blackpool's Campbell

LONDON (AFP) - Premier League new boys Queens Park Rangers have signed striker DJ Campbell on a two-year deal from Blackpool for an undisclosed fee, the London club announced Thursday.

QPR manager Neil Warnock had been chasing Campbell for several weeks and is believed to have offered around £1.25 million ($2 million) for the former Birmingham star.

The 29-year-old scored 13 times for Blackpool in the Premier League last season but was unable to save the Seasiders from relegation.

For Campbell, signing for QPR means he will still be in the top flight but also playing for the club he followed as a boy.

"It's a club I supported as a kid," Campbell told Rangers' official website. "I grew up around here and QPR have played a massive part in my life.

"This was my first club, from six to 16, to to be finally back here at the age of 29 is really special.

"There were other clubs in the Premier League that showed an interest but when I heard QPR were in for me it was an offer I couldn't refuse—this is my club," Campbell insisted.

Warnock said of Campbell: "He is someone I have admired for a while now and he had a fabulous season in the Premier League with Blackpool.

"He is a QPR fan and you can tell he has a great desire to do well for the club he supports. That shone through when I met up with him—he can't wait to play for us."

Campbell is the first player Warnock has paid a transfer fee for since leading the west Londoners back into the Premier League.

His previous two deals for midfielder Kieron Dyer and striker Jay Bothroyd were both free transfers.