QPR expect to complete the signing of Rio Ferdinand next week after manager Harry Redknapp confirmed the former Manchester United centre-back has agreed to move to Loftus Road.

We told you last week that a deal was close for Ferdinand, who was handed his professional debut by Redknapp at QPR, and the Rangers chief expects to be reunited with his old pal when the player returns from media duties at the World Cup in Brazil.

The towering 35-year-old defender is a free agent following his release by United in the summer and has agreed to take a significant pay cut to join the newly-promoted Premier League side.

Got him! Redknapp reckons it is a done deal

"Rio has agreed to join us and we're hopeful of getting that one over the line when he gets back from the World Cup,” Redknapp told the Telegraph.

"I can't foresee any problems with it and we'd be delighted if we can get it done soon. He's been a player at the top of the list since he left Manchester United and he would give the whole place a lift with his quality and experience."

Redknapp hopes the capture of Ferdinand will persuade Steven Caulker to join him in making the move to W12.