Championship transfer news: QPR sign free agent striker who was available to Sunderland

Martin was one of a number of limited free agent options available to Sunderland after the club failed to sign a striker on deadline day, though there was no concrete suggestion that Kristjaan Speakman was interested in the former Derby County man.

The 34-year-old has now signed with Championship club QPR for the rest of the current season after leaving Bristol City.

“I am delighted to get things wrapped up,” Martin told www.qpr.co.uk. “I am really looking forward to this opportunity. The phone was ringing and there were options, so it was nice to know you were wanted – and that is what I felt from the manager and the club.

“They made their feelings clear in terms of how much I can contribute here, and I feel the same. I think there is the potential for it to go really well. This is a tough league, it’s challenging and you see it every year,” he said.

“I have been in a few battles over the years myself, so hopefully I can impress on some of the lads the experience I have managed to pick up and try to help some of the younger players and the lesser established in this division understand what it takes.”

“What I can contribute is goals, that link-up play and being a focal point at the top end of the pitch,” he said. “That is what I am here to do and hopefully I can do it well.”