QPR's Tony Fernandes changes policy on Harry Redknapp future

HARRY REDKNAPP will stay in charge of QPR even if they suffer relegation from the Premier League under a "different approach" to management, insists Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes.

Redknapp took over at Loftus Road in late 2012 when Mark Hughes was sacked following a string of poor performances.

The former Spurs boss was unable to keep QPR up, taking them down to the Championship, but responded with promotion on the first time of asking.

And, according to Fernandes, the knee-jerk reaction of other chairman to sack out-of-form managers is not a solution he favours after witnessing the fall-out from Hughes' departure.

“I think we’ve made our mind up to stick – we’ll just stick with Harry come what may," Fernandes told The Guardian. "We want stability, we want players to know he’s the manager. A different approach, I think.

“My whole life’s been stability. People who have worked with me have for a long time.

“I don’t believe football clubs can be any different.

QPR sit 12th in the Premier League after claiming their first win of the season at home to Sunderland last weekend.

And despite scoring just one goal from four games this campaign, Fernandes points to examples of managerial longevity as the reason behind his decision to stick with Redknapp, come what may.

“You only have to look at the most successful football clubs – Matt Busby, Bob Paisley, Alex Ferguson, they were all at their clubs for a long time. That’s a business principle that works," he said.

Article @ http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/507776/QPR-s-Tony-Fernandes-changes-policy-on-Harry-Redknapp-future

QPR target Defoe could leave Toronto

Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko has refused to rule out the possibility of QPR target Jermain Defoe making an imminent move back to the Premier League.

The former Tottenham striker has reportedly drawn interest from QPR and Bezbatchenko admitted that there have been talks between Toronto and an unidentified club.

"As far as I'm concerned, Jermain Defoe is with TFC," Bezbatchenko said on Sunday. "It's important for Jermain to be here, because he is a great player. But if things change then we'll adjust.

"We receive offers all the time, especially for a player like Jermain.

"We have received an offer and we have discussed it internally. I think that when you score as many goals as he has and you have the reputation and background that he has it's not uncommon to receive these offers.

"We've received, actually, multiple offers before over the course of this year. So I want to confirm that we're in talks, but we have a relationship with Jermain too. We're speaking with him and no decisions have been made.

"We'll discuss it over the next 24 hours."

Defoe has scored 11 goals in 16 MLS games with Toronto, but has also missed considerable time due to injury. In addition to a sports hernia that he is receiving treatment for in England, the 31-year-old sat out the entire month of April with a hamstring injury.

Defoe signed a four-year deal with Toronto in January after leaving White Hart Lane and has previously worked under QPR manager Harry Redknapp in his days at West Ham and Spurs.

By Rudi Schuller

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2014/09/01/5074529/-?

Redknapp on thin ice at QPR

The end of the road – the Loftus Road – must surely be coming soon for Harry Redknapp.

Queens Park Rangers’ disastrous start to the season took a new, depressing twist this week when the Premier League club outfit was knocked out of the Capital One Cup by fourth-tier Burton Albion, losing 1-0 in a second round tie.

That followed defeats to Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur to leave the Malaysian-owned club in last place on the table with a minus-5 goal difference, having failed to score in three games in different competitions to start the season.

Owner Tony Fernandes made the mistake of taking too long to act after QPR’s winless start to the 2012-13 campaign, only sacking Mark Hughes at the end of November. He had garnered just four points from a possible 48, with eight league defeats, to sit at the foot of the table.

Ironically, it was Redknapp who took over from Hughes, with an air of optimism around West London, given his relative success at Tottenham Hotspur over the previous four seasons.

He initially improved things with some encouraging results into the New Year, but was ultimately unable to keep the Super Hoops in the top flight.

Now it is Redknapp who needs to stand aside to let a new man – ideally a manager familiar with rescue missions like Tony Pulis – to turn a flailing side around.

And that could mean retirement for the 67-year-old, who admitted that he would have wandered off into the footballing sunset if QPR hadn’t earned promotion in May by winning the Championship Play-off final against Derby County.

Redknapp has had an excellent managerial career and did well to bring the R’s back into the promised land of the Premier League at the first attempt.

But, clearly, he is now struggling to get the best out of his squad. And, given the number of fading veterans who are still earning generous wages, he is making some of the same mistakes as his predecessor.

QPR were woeful against his former club, Spurs, last Sunday, playing, as Redknapp so succinctly put it, “like a bunch of strangers”. The 4-0 defeat at White Hart Lane might have been 7-0 or 8-0, given the number of chances that the Lilywhites enjoyed.

The 3-5-2 system that QPR adopted, with 35-year-old Rio Ferdinand and 34-year-old Richard Dunne as two of the back three, was repeatedly exposed. Redknapp blamed a lack of energy from his players, rather than any tactical mistake, on the formation’s failure.

It is too early to make any definitive call on the addition of Ferdinand to the club’s defensive stocks, but the early omens are certainly not good for the former Manchester United stalwart.

Joey Barton is another man capped by his country who used to ply his trade in Manchester. Barton turns 33 next week and now looks horribly out of his depth at this level.

As outstanding as he was last season in the Championship, Barton clearly has seen better days in the heart of QPR’s engine room.

Redknapp made nine changes for the Cup tie at Burton Albion and yet the performance was arguably worse, given that they were facing a League Two side with a fraction of the budget.

Adel Taarabt huffed and puffed as he made his first appearance in 16 months after loan spells at Fulham and AC Milan. It seems a long time ago when the Moroccan first played for the club after failing to crack a first-team spot at Tottenham in 2009.

While Taarabt was one of QPR’s better players on a depressing night in Staffordshire, Shaun Wright-Phillips may have been disappointed with his contribution after he was given a rare start.

How far a one-time Chelsea and Manchester City starlet has fallen. Remember this is a man who was part of England’s 2010 World Cup squad, earning 36 caps for his country and lighting up stadiums around the world with his pace and dribbling skills. Yet since signing with QPR three years ago, he has scored a solitary league goal in 63 matches.

The reality is that the likes of Wright-Phillips, Ferdinand, Barton and Dunne aren’t going to keep Rangers in the Premier League, just as Park Ji-Sung, Jose Bosingwa and Christopher Samba couldn’t prevent relegation two years ago.

No doubt that Redknapp will be looking to bring in more seasoned campaigners before the transfer window closes on Monday. But how much of a difference will they make to the newly promoted side?

Happy ‘Arry went so close to landing the England coaching job in 2012, and has had more successes than failures in his rollercoaster 30-year coaching career. But it does seem now that he’s run out of ideas and enthusiasm.

Tony Fernandes needs to make a big decision sooner rather than later to replace Redknapp. A tough-love approach from a manager in the mould of Pulis, with a younger, workmanlike team is what’s needed now in Shepherd’s Bush, not a bunch of well-known former internationals clearly past their prime.

BY JASON DASEY

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/08/29/Redknapp-on-thin-ice-at-QPR-London-clubs-poor-start-to-the-season-adds-pressure-on-manager/?

QPR v Sunderland Preview

Youtube review from Sports Mole for Saturday's game v the Mackems

We seriously need a win.

COUR's

https://www.youtube.com/results?q=qpr+preview+sports+mole

QPR to meet Mustapha Yatabaré’s agent

According to today’s edition of L’Equipe, QPR will meet with Guingamp striker Mustapha Yatabaré’s agent at the beginning of next week over a possible transfer.

Lyon and Lille remain interested in the player, but but not interested enough to make a concrete offer.

Guingamp’s asking price is at €2.5m

http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2014/qpr-to-meet-mustapha-yatabares-agent/?

QPR set to move for Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy in £3m deal

Queens Park Rangers have opened talks with Reading about signing 24-year-old goalkeeper Alex McCarthy on £3 million deal, reports Get Reading.

The 24-year-old is a target for QPR

The 24-year-old goalkeeper has impressed during his time at the Berkshire club, and has subsequently attracted interest from a number of top-flight clubs.

McCarthy has been at Reading since 2007 and has amassed 70 appearances for the Championship club, however he has spent most of his time out on loan.

He has had spells at Woking, Cambridge, Team Bath, Aldershot, Yeovil, Brentford, Leeds and Ipswich over the last few seasons.

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp is keen to add another goalkeeper following the departure of Julio Cesar to Portuguese outfit Benfica, and is targeting McCarthy as an ideal replacement.

BY SAM ROURKE

http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/qpr-set-to-move-for-reading-goalkeeper-alex-mccarthy-in-3m-deal/?

QPR boss Harry Redknapp hopeful of TRIPLE SWOOP

HARRY REDKNAPP hopes to pull off a hat-trick of new signings this week.

The QPR boss is set to complete the £7m transfer of Norwich midfielder Leroy Fer in the next 24 hours.

Dutchman Fer was at Loftus Road for a medical yesterday and has agreed terms on a three-year contract.

But the spending will not stop there with Napoli striker Eduardo Vargas flying in for talks over a season-long loan move.

Vargas starred for Chile at the World Cup and will have a medical later today, with an agreement close.

Redknapp also wants to bring Niko Kranjcar, who was on loan at QPR last season, back to the club from Dynamo Kiev.

The Rangers boss said: "We're talking about Niko. It's a possibility. Fer would be an outstanding signing. He has great physique and is box to box.

"Vargas is a quality player who can play up front or as a No 10 and we're hoping we can bring him in. We've followed him for a while."

By Paul Brown

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/395318/QPR-boss-Harry-Redknapp-hopeful-of-TRIPLE-SWOOP

Harry Redknapp sees positives in Hull Defeat

Harry sees the pluses from yesterday's league opener against Hull City.

Let's hope we get better and get a win soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d19eWaNQV8

Harry Redknapp lifts the lid on QPR’s team spirit

Harry Redknapp. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Harry Redknapp has admitted he would rather quit than manage “a bunch of toe-rags”, targeting team spirit as central to QPR’s Premier League survival mission.

Promoted Rangers open their league campaign by hosting Hull City at Loftus Road on Saturday, with the Rangers boss hailing the club’s dressing-room atmosphere.

And he believes QPR are far better equipped to cope with Premier League life after one term out of the top-flight.

“Coming up last year lifted everyone’s spirits,” said Redknapp.

“I think any manager, you walk in and get people you know will be good lads, want to play and do a good job.

“You bring in good lads that won’t be a minute’s problem.

“I think all you want every day when you come to work, you want to come in and see a good bunch of lads.

“You don’t want to walk in and see a bunch of toe-rags, life’s too short, I’d rather pack up and go home.

“If someone’s getting 35 or 40 grand a week and moaning every day, I don’t need that.

“These lads, I look forward to seeing them, and that’s what keeps me going.”

http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/qpr/harry_redknapp_lifts_the_lid_on_qpr_s_team_spirit_1_3729490

QPR keen on Song!

Queens Park Rangers have made a stunning offer for Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, Daily Star reports.

Harry Redknapp is keen to keep QPR in the Premier League this year and is looking to bring the former Arsenal man to Loftus Road this summer.

The QPR manager believes Song is the perfect player to strengthen his side’s midfield, and is hoping that a loan move will convince the La Liga outfit to let him leave for a year.

However, it is believed Barca prefer to sell the Cameroonian international outright, with several clubs also interested in the 26-year-old’s services.

AC Milan, Inter Milan and Liverpool are all monitoring the situation, with Manchester United also pondering a swoop in the case they fail to sign Juventus’ Arturo Vidal.

Song moved to Barcelona on a £15million fee after starring in the Gunners’ midfield, in which he provided 11 league assists during his final season.

However, like Cesc Fabregas, Song has found it difficult to break into the Baulgrauna first team with the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets ahead of him in the pecking order.

New Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has already deemed Song surplus to requirements, and is expected to leave the Nou Camp before the transfer window closes this month.

http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/qpr-launch-stunning-offer-to-sign-former-arsenal-star-from-barcelona?

QPR in talks with Swansea loan star?

Newly promoted Queens Park Rangers are in talks to bring in midfielder Jonathan de Guzman from Villarreal, according to The Daily Mail.

It is thought the Spanish side will want around £7million for de Guzman who has spent the last two seasons on loan at fellow Premier League club Swansea City.

De Guzman played 71 times for the Swans, scoring nine goals. He is also a regular for the Netherlands and was a part of their World Cup in Brazil.

Bolster

QPR boss Harry Redknapp is looking to bolster his squad with quality players in order to remain in the top-flight of English football.

The newspaper understands The R’s have been offered experienced Argentina midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, but Redknapp is searching for younger talent. The 33-year-old is a target for Premier League new boys Leicester City.

De Guzman has just returned to his club after his World Cup commitments and is wanting to sort out his future. Swansea manager Garry Monk had admitted his side are unlikely to re-sign the 26-year-old and will pursue other targets.

Experience

With the potential signing of de Guzman, QPR’s squad is starting to take shape ahead of their first game of the season against Hull City.

The R’s have recruited well with the £8million signing of Cardiff City captain Steven Caulker and former England and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand, who joined on a free.

The defenders will link up with Chile World Cup star Mauricio Isla who comes to Loftus Road on a season-long loan from Juventus. Jordan Mutch, who was a shining light in Cardiff’s season last year has also joined for £6million.

Strikers

Redknapp has admitted his squad lacks striking options and will look to sign a forward before the season starts. Watford’s Troy Deeney has been heavily linked with The Hoops after an impressive goal tally in the Championship last time round.

Currently QPR have Charlie Austin and Bobby Zamora in the squad, as well as Loic Remy, however Remy’s future is uncertain after the France international spent last season on loan at Newcastle and saw a deal to Liverpool collapse.

http://www.touchlinetalk.com/qpr-talks-swansea-loan-star/100756/?

My first R's away game!

This was my first ever away game following the R's.

I was young, and just remember how far the pitch was from the stands. We were stuck up in the away terrace right next to where the old benches used to be!

Where was your first away experience?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbxR9VmsQOw

Where will #QPR finish this season in the #PremierLeague ?

The new Premier League season starts next week.

Where will the mighty R's finish?

My prediction is we will finish 15th and stay up!

What is your #prediction?

Queens Park Rangers target £10m move for Tottenham’s Andros Townsend

Andros Townsend is wanted by QPR (Picture: Reuters)

QPR are set to make a £10m bid for Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend, according to reports.

Rangers boss Harry Redknapp knows the 23-year-old from his time at White Hart Lane and took the youngster to Loftus Road on loan in 2013.

But Redknapp now appears to be keen on making a move permanent and is ready to test his former club’s resolve with a £10m bid, according to Goal.com.

Steven Caulker, Rio Ferdinand and Jordon Mutch have already joined the Hoops on permanent deals this summer, while Mauricio Isla has signed on a season-long loan from Juventus.

However, Redknapp is not yet finished in the transfer market and appears to have made Townsend his latest target.

Townsend enjoyed a storming start to last season, seeing him make his England debut, but injury and a loss of form scuppered the second-half of his campaign.

New Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is said to be impressed by the winger and his attitude and may not be keen to allow him to leave.

But QPR are confident a £10m bid will be enough of a convincer.

http://metro.co.uk/2014/08/08/queens-park-rangers-target-10m-move-for-tottenhams-andros-townsend-4825896/?

QPR reportedly interested in West Ham star Mohamed Diame

Queens Park Rangers are reportedly lining up a move for West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame as Harry Redknapp looks to continue to spend.

The 27-year-old is being linked with a move away from West Ham once again with reports emerging thatQPR are interested in securing the services of the Senegalese midfielder.

Diame was continuously linked with a move away from the Hammers in January but decided to stay with the club, and went on to end the season with four goals in 35 appearances.

Queens Park Rangers are set to make a move as Harry Redknapp looks to continue his summer spending spree following the club's promotion back to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports' Peter O'Rourke.

The R's have already brought in Steven Caulker, Rio Ferdinand, Mauricio Isla and Jordon Mutch while Adel Taarabt, Loic Remy and Julio Cesar have all returned to the club following loan moves away.

Though several midfielders have already left the club with Yossi Benayoun, Gary O'Neil, Stephane Mbia, Esteban Granero and Park Ji-Sung all moving on, and a move for Diame would certainly strengthen the side.

The versatile midfielder played all across the middle of the park for West Ham last season and also made two appearances as a striker.

A central midfield partnership of Joey Barton and Mohamed Diame would certainly give Redknapp's side plenty of muscle, while the likes of Jordon Mutch and Junior Hoilett would be able to provide the creativity.

It is unclear whether the Hammers would be willing to listen to offers for Diame this time around, though with just one year remaining on his current deal, they may be tempted to cash-in if the right offer arrives.

Would Mohamed Diame be a good signing for QPR?

http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/08/06/le-qpr-reportedly-set-to-move-for-mohamed-diame/?

QPR MEET IRISH FANS AT OPEN TRAINING SESSION

More QPR fans at training than Real Madrid when they were there!

Cmon U R's !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTa-k4hJwrQ

Mutch To Join Caulker

Written by a Cardiff fan;

Jordan Mutch could become the next to leave Cardiff, unless Gary Medel beats him to this? Reports continue to claim that Inter Milan have signed the Chilean but there's no official word.

Sunderland have been tracking Mutch this summer as they looked to take him back to the Premier League, but meagre offers of a little over £2m were quite rightly rejected but if the reports from the Daily Mirror are accurate then £5m will secure his signature with QPR set to sign him as they did Steven Caulker.

I'd really like us to keep Mutch as he's coming into his own now but with him proving that he's Premier League quality I can see why he'd want to return to that level and not stay with us for this Championship season.

We would get compensation for him if he didn't sign a new contract before it expires next summer but it wouldn't be likely to be as much as £5m, so if the winger doesn't have any intention of extending his contract with us then this is an amount we couldn't really refuse could we?

http://www.cardiff.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=365184

Juve’s Chile star Isla close to joining QPR

QPR are close to clinching the signing of Chile international Mauricio Isla from Juventus.

Rangers have been in talks to sign the 26-year-old on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move.

He can play at full-back or further forward and R’s boss Harry Redknapp, who is keen to use wing-backs this season, sees him as the ideal alternative to the more defensive Danny Simpson.

Isla featured for his country at the recent World Cup and has been with Juventus since 2012. He previously had a five-year spell with Udinese.

Rangers are hoping to complete the deal in time for him to play in their pre-season friendly against Irish side Athlone Town on Tuesday.

http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-close-to-capturing-chile-star-isla?

Richard Dunne hails team spirit at Queens Park Rangers

Queens Park Rangers defender Richard Dunne has claimed the attitude of the squad was the key factor behind their successful promotion bid last season.

Ahead of their return to the Premier League after a one-year absence, Dunne has praised the team spirit created by the players at Loftus Road since his arrival a year ago.

"You probably heard so many bad stories from a couple of years ago about how bad the dressing room was, but from the first day I came in it has been great and enjoyable," the Irish defender told reporters.

"Everyone was positive about where we were going and what the aim was, because of that people more or less looked after themselves.

"There was no need really to pull people in to tell them 'you need to be more like this'. Everyone was a good lad, they toed the line and the dressing room then looked after itself."

QPR begin their season against Hull City on August 16.

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/qpr/news/dunne-happy-with-team-spirit-at-qpr_168479.html

Ajax striker set for QPR switch

QPR are believed to be close to agreeing a fee with Ajax for striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson. The 24-year old has previously been linked with a host of clubs including Leicester City, Swansea City, Sunderland, West Ham United and Newcastle United as well as Scottish Champions Celtic.

Ajax have placed a valuation believed to be around £10 million on Sigthorsson and according to Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars they are close to agreeing a fee with Queens Park Rangers. Despite the interest from Leicester City, Swansea City, Sunderland, West Ham United, Newcastle United and Celtic it is understood that QPR are the only side holding advanced talks with the Dutch outfit.

“I have had some good talks with QPR over Kolbeinn,” Overmars told Voetbal International.

“We are pretty close to each other regarding the transfer fee. But the player’s demands are obviously important as well. 
“I think QPR is a good opportunity for Kolbeinn. Just look at how Wilfried Bony fares in the Premier League. He has already caught the attention of some major clubs after just one year in England.”

http://www.first4lcfc.co.uk/blog/ajax-striker-set-for-premier-league-switch/?

Leyton Orient 2 - 2 QPR

Harry Redknapp's men conceded early on at Brisbane Road but got back into the game through the two midfielders, with goalkeeper Rob Green making a fine double save

Joey Barton and Junior Hoilett were on target as QPR played out an entertaining 2-2 friendly draw at Leyton Orient.

The Premier League new-boys were without new signing Rio Ferdinand at Brisbane Road and they fell behind after just 10 minutes.

Romain Vincelot glanced a superb header from Dean Cox's cross past QPR goalkeeper Rob Green to put the League One club ahead.

That goal was just reward for a strong start from the hosts but a moment of top-flight quality from Hoilett - making his first appearance of pre-season - brought Harry Redknapp's side level after 19 minutes. The former Blackburn Rovers man found some space around 25 yards from goal and gave Gary Woods no chance with a shot that arrowed into the bottom corner.

QPR began to control proceedings thereafter but Green was forced into a fine double save to keep them level at half-time.

And Orient were undone shortly after the restart, as Barton fired home a free kick to put the visitors into the lead.

However, Cox snatched a draw for Orient late on as he wriggled free in the box before slotting home.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3349/pre-season/2014/07/29/4991955/-?

Former QPR star set to make Loftus Road return?

Queens Park Rangers could be reunited with Niko Kranjcar next month – if the price is right.

The Croatia midfielder was on loan at the club last season from Dinamo Kiev and started their successful play-off final win before coming off injured just after the half-hour mark.

Now Rangers are back in the Premier League and Redknapp thinks the 29-year-old could add quality to his thin-looking squad.

“I like Niko. If he’s free,” Redknapp said.

“There’s a deal to be done with his club on his wages. He wants to come back here. He can play Premier League football, there’s no doubt about it. They’re the type of players we need – players with a bit of quality.

“They are still talking to his club. I think his agent is looking at it and can do a deal that suits the club. He would like to come and will take a massive drop in wages to come back here. He enjoys it and is a good lad."

At times during the demanding Championship season questions were asked about the playmaker's conditioning but Redknapp is confident he will be in good enough nick to help keep his side in the top flight.

When asked if Kranjcar would have to prove his fitness, Redknapp said: “No, not really. He needs to get him up and running but certainly his ability is not in question.

“If he comes back and gets in good shape he will be a big asset to us again.”

http://talksport.com/football/former-qpr-star-set-make-loftus-road-return-140728104182?

Is QPR heartthrob Mathieu Valbuena Europe’s most criminally underrated footballer?

When, last week, it was reported that Mathieu Valbuena’s excellent World Cup had earned him a move to Dinamo Moscow eyebrows were raised at bwinbetting.com HQ.

The Muscovites, 112 places below his long-term bankrollers Marseille on the UEFA club coefficient, seemed to have pulled off what amounted to an outrageous coup.

Only three players at Brazil 2014 averaged more key passes (goalscoring opportunities created) an outing than the Frenchman over as many or more games at the tournament.

Ultimately it appears that some news organs had jumped the gun in confirming the deal, with the L’OM lifer spurning their advances.

However, his farcically low-standing in the eyes of elite clubs around Europe shows little sign of improving, with QPR now seemingly heading the queue for his services.

The fee remains a snip of a £7m and the presence of 2012/13-season Stade Velodrome holidaymaker Joey Barton is thought to be a big plus point for the Loftus Road club’s chances of landing his signature.

No offence is meant to Super Hoops by such a statement, but surely Valbuena should be seeking Champions League football at this stage of his career?

Last term he outshone even £60-plus Real Madrid acquisition James Rodriguez in Ligue 1’s goalscoring chances-created stakes, topping those particular standings, just as he had done the year before.

Rangers meanwhile had only Barton creating anywhere near Valbuena’s average of 2.6 key passes per 90 minutes in the Championship last term.

As such the acquisition of the Frenchman would make the 17/50 about QPR to avoid the bony fingers of the reaper in their first campaign back at the top level of English football next term infinitely more palatable.

http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/mathieu-valbuena-underrated-footballer,58902.html?

Leipzig 2-0 QPR: Rio Ferdinand debut ends in defeat

Rio Ferdinand's QPR debut ended in disappointment as Harry Redknapp's side were beaten 2-0 by RB Leipzig on Saturday.

The former England international made his first appearance since arriving as a free agent following his departure from Manchester United in the close-season, playing 45 minutes for his new side in Gera.

Ferdinand started in the centre of defence alongside Richard Dunne but was replaced as one of several half-time changes with the score at 0-0.

In the second half, Yussuf Poulsen's brace condemned QPR to defeat in the last game of their German tour against a side preparing for life in the Bundesliga's second tier following promotion in 2013-14.

After a tight opening, QPR threatened an early goal in the eighth minute, Charlie Austin close to getting on the end of Danny Simpson's cross only for a defender to touch the ball away at the last moment.

Rani Khedira blasted an effort way off target on the half-hour mark, shortly before the heavens opened to send fans in the open stands running for cover.

Four minutes before the break, Leipzig went close to scoring as Khedira crashed a 25-yard free kick off the crossbar before, in the second period, John-Patrick Strauss shot into the side netting with just Robert Green to beat.

Leipzig continued to press, Denis Thomalla firing narrowly over the crossbar from the edge of the box on the hour and, two minutes later, the German team were ahead, Poulsen running away from Dunne and slotting beyond Green with a cool finish.

That lead was doubled 17 minutes from time, Poulsen lashing the ball into the top corner from just inside the area after receiving a pass from Strauss.

QPR failed to create any chances of note to force their way back into the game in the closing stages and Redknapp will be hoping for an improved display in their next friendly against Leyton Orient on Tuesday.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3349/pre-season/2014/07/26/4985415/-?