QPR find Ferdinand replacement in Portugal international

Desperate times call for desperate measures and with goal difference all that separates Queens Park Rangers from Burnley at the bottom of the Premier League, a January reshuffle could be in order with recent recruit Rio Ferdinand rumoured to be among those set to depart.

The 35-year-old was dropped for the Rs 3-2 defeat to Liverpool over the weekend and could depart Loftus Road this January, having so far failed to impress at the London club.

Rangers may have even lined up a replacement already in Portugal international Rolando, who is seeking a permanent move away from his most recent employers Porto.

The 29-year-old has been keen to depart permanently for some time, having spent season-long loans at Napoli and Inter Milan in the past couple of years.

But with no permanent deal forthcoming from either side, QPR could step into the breach with a big-money offer for a defender whom they will hope can shore up their leaky defence.

The Rs have kept just one clean sheet from nine matches played this season and have conceded two or more goals on six occasions already this term.

And while those behind the scenes at Loftus Road are seemingly willing to be patient 22-year-old defender Steven Caulker following his move from Cardiff City, more was expected of Ferdinand, who came to the club following a glittering spell with Manchester United.

The former Red Devils favourite could now look to move abroad, having previously expressed an interest in switching to Major League Soccer in the United States.

Rs boss Harry Redknapp, meanwhile, will be hoping that Rolando’s potential arrival will help the club improve their defensive displays, rather than heap more misery on the club.

Two years ago the QPR boss took a gamble in bringing former Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba back to the Premier League, only for the defender to endure a torrid half-season at the club during which the team was relegated from the top-flight with time to spare.

Rangers can be backed at 5/2 to finish bottom this season.

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