An agreement in Rio Ferdinand’s QPR contract means the club can ditch him in January, although at this stage that looks unlikely to happen.

Ferdinand’s deal includes a break clause similar to one agreed with Richard Dunne when he joined Rangers last year.

Dunne established himself as a key player and featured in enough matches to not only see out his one-year contract but also secure another one.

But with Ferdinand having been left out for Sunday’s defeat against Liverpool after some poor performances, there is speculation that the former Manchester United and England star could be offloaded.

Manager Harry Redknapp and the Loftus Road hierarchy clashed in the summer, when the owners had misgivings about bringing him in.

Chairman Tony Fernandes was keen to please fans by signing younger players, with Rangers’ previous transfer dealings having attracted criticism.

The defender’s subsequent displays appear to have justified the feelings of some fans and board members.

But despite behind-the-scenes disagreements over his signing, Ferdinand, who turns 36 next month, has become a popular figure within the club and is admired for his attitude and professionalism.

After being informed he would be on the bench against Liverpool, he shook the hand of each member of the starting line-up and wished them good luck.

Adel Taarabt, on the other hand, reacted angrily to being told he was not in the matchday squad.

That left Redknapp furious and prompted his rant about Taarabt when he was asked after the match why the Moroccan had been left out.

He says Taarabt is overweight, has refused to train properly and is not fit enough to be considered for selection. He also appeared to suggest that Taarabt earns £60,000-£70,000 a week.

Taarabt, who is paid around £40,000 a week, has insisted that he is not overweight and that Redknapp is seeking to make excuses for bottom-of-the-table Rangers’ results this season.

The club’s owners agree with Redknapp and his backroom team that Taarabt is out of shape and has acted unprofessionally.

See also: Harry rapped over handling of Taarabt row

Rangers confident Onuoha will face Villa

Taarabt back in training after Redknapp row

Taarabt lambasted by furious QPR boss

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