Harry Redknapp insists Gary Hooper wanted to join QPR, but believes Norwich showed more urgency in the race for the striker's signature.
Redknapp had been confident about signing Hooper after Celtic finally accepted an offer from QPR, but the deal dragged on when the west London club failed to agree personal terms.
Norwich seized their chance to hijack the move and agreed a £5.5m fee with the Bhoys before securing Hooper's services on a four-year deal.
Redknapp admits that QPR took far too long to complete the switch and hopes a lesson has been learned as they approach other targets ahead of the new Championship campaign.
He told Sky Sports News: "You can't hang about. I could write a book about players that I have signed and lost over the years.
"Deals have got to be done quickly and it dragged on probably two-and-a-half months altogether that deal. It was miles too long.
"It should have been done, but that's how it goes, we learn from that one and move on. We can't make that same mistake again.
"If we're after a player and we really want him and he wants to come. Because the boy wanted to come, I don't care what anybody says, he was coming to us, but I just think that it seemed to be a bit of a mix up with the deal and everything. Never mind that's how it goes."
Redknapp was speaking after QPR rounded off their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 victory over Southend on Friday night
Andy Johnson, Stephane Mbia and Nedum Onuoha grabbed the goals for QPR, while it was a Clint Hill own goal which had briefly drawn Southend level.
The Blues had a bid for the England striker turned down last week - but their pursuit of him is ongoing.
However, 38-year-old Scholes said: "I don't think there's anywhere better than Manchester United to play your football.
"It's up to Wayne - but he's a top, top player and every player and fan wants him to stay."
Scholes, who made his United debut in 1993 and went on to make more than 700 appearances for the club, does not believe manager David Moyes is under pressure to recruit.
The Barclays Premier League champions have made two offers to Barcelona for midfielder Cesc Fabregas, for a reported £25million and £30million respectively, both of which were rejected by the Catalan club.
Scholes, who retired from action for a second time in May, added on Sky Sports News: "I don't think there's that much pressure.
"He's got a quality squad there, with already 18-20 quality players.
"Even if Sir Alex Ferguson was there he would want to sign two or three players. That's the norm every season - to improve the year after, even if you've won the league.
"I'm sure David Moyes is trying to get players - and hopefully he'll get the ones he wants."
