Jonathan Varane has joined QPR on a permanent deal after Norwich City pursued the Frenchman in January. 

The Sporting Gijon man has moved to Loftus Park in a reported £1m deal after weeks of speculation. QPR have signed the Frenchman as a replacement for ex-City loanee Isaac Hayden, who returned to Newcastle United at the end of his loan move. 

Varane was considered surplus to requirements at the Spanish club after failing to nail down a starting berth and reportedly had further interest from both England and France before deciding upon a move to the capital. 

Norwich targeted Varane in January as part of their long-term plan under sporting director Ben Knapper but refused to meet Gijon's asking price for the defensive midfielder. 

They had continued to monitor Varane after conducting plenty of leg work ahead of the January window, but opted against renewing their interest in the 22-year-old this summer. 

With Gabriel Sara poised to complete a move to Galatasaray that could be worth over £24m to the Canaries, City are expected to be active in the market for a replacement. Versatility is expected to be a desired characteristic of any potential recruits. 

But that won't include Varane, who believes his skill set is suited to the Championship as he embarks on the latest chapter in a career that has also included spells at Lens and Rodez. 

Ben Knapper is leading Norwich City's transfer business this summer.Ben Knapper is leading Norwich City's transfer business this summer. (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

“I think for my career this is a good step and I am excited to meet my new team-mates, join the group and start with the club," Varane told QPR's official channels. 

“I know the style of QPR and I think for me it is a good move to continue my career here.

“I like to defend, I like winning balls, giving passes and progressing with the ball on the ground. I think the Championship will be very good for me.”

Norwich will face Varane against QPR in December, with a trip to Loftus Road on the seventh, followed by a Carrow Road clash on the 29th.