Richard Dunne is heading to QPR © PA Photos Enlarge

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the signing of Republic of Ireland international Richard Dunne.

Former Manchester City centre-back Dunne, 33, was a free agent after leaving Aston Villa and has agreed a one-year contract with the Championship side.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp told the club's official website: "This is a great signing for us. He's a top-class defender and a great guy. He's a good character and just what we need. He was City's Player of the Year four years running, and he will be fantastic at this football club. He's exactly the type I'm looking for.

"Obviously he had his problems last season with the injury but there's an agreement in place that if he breaks down, the contract can be ended. He's confident he'll be okay and from our point of view, if he doesn't have any problems with it then we've just signed a very, very good centre-half."

Dunne added: "I've played in the Championship and won it with Manchester City, so hopefully my experience will benefit the team over the course of the season.

"It's a good challenge for me and one I'm very excited about."

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