Rio Ferdinand is taking a medical at Queens Park Rangers on Thursday before signing for the club as a free agent, following his departure from Manchester United in the close season.

Harry Redknapp, the manager, views Ferdinand’s vast experience and professionalism as a vital component to help knit the squad together. Redknapp believes Ferdinand will be a key asset in the challenge of ensuring QPR are not relegated straight away, following promotion.

Earlier this week, Redknapp said: “Getting a deal like this done reminds me of when I signed Teddy Sheringham at Portsmouth [in the summer of 2003]. The standards were lifted and he was somebody everyone looked up to.

“The coaches and the younger players all learned off him and he was a massive influence. I can see Rio at QPR doing what Teddy did for me at Portsmouth.”