QPR have announced that former Real Madrid midfielder Jordi Lopez has joined them in a three-month deal.

The 27-year-old Spaniard was on Barcelona’s books as a youngster before joining Real Madrid. He made two first-team appearances for Real before spells at Sevilla - with whom he won the 2004 Uefa Cup - and then Real Mallorca, who released him last year.

Lopez has since had trials at Portsmouth and Blackburn, before a potential move to Birmingham was halted by doubts about his long-term fitness.

The Italian-style set-up at Loftus Road limits the coach’s influence on signings, with boss Flavio Briatore and sporting director Gianni Paladini largely responsible for bringing in players.

Paladini has continued to recruit players since Sousa’s appointment earlier this season but Lopez is very much Sousa’s choice, effectively making him the Portuguese’s first Rangers signing.

"Jordi is a very, very capable player and will give us great options in the middle of the park," Sousa said.

"He can play central or wide and is technically a very good player. He is a creative midfielder and we are looking forward to welcoming him into our family."

Meanwhile, cost-cutting measures at the club have led to Steve Brown losing his job as youth team manager.

Brown’s exit is likely to be confirmed in the next 24 hours. Keith Ryan and Steven Gallen are to remain as youth coaches.