QPR have won the race to sign £8million Steven Caulker who joins the squad in Germany in less than 24 hours.

The Cardiff City defender returns to his west London roots for Rs who beat off a stiff challenge from Crystal Palace and Southampton for the central defender who missed not a single second of any Premier League game last season - despite the fact Cardiff were relegated.

Caulker, 22, becomes the obvious partner for 35-year-old Rio Ferdinand in defence, and could make his debut as early as Saturday in the game against Red Bull Leipzig where Hoops continue their German tour.

Caulker was born in Feltham and supported Brentford as a teenager before he joined Tottenham.

He links up with boss Harry Redknapp, who reckons the arrival of both is a massive boost to Rangers.

“The prospect of playing with Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence is something that will appeal to the lad (Caulker),” Redknapp said. “He’s a young player and he can only improve playing alongside somebody as experienced as Rio.

“If you look at Gary Cahill he has improved massively playing with John Terry and I believe Rio can do the same for Caulker.”