QPR to open talks with Onuoha

QPR have been given the green light to open talks with versatile defender Nedum Onuoha after reaching an agreement with Manchester City.

The former England Under-21 international is likely to join Rangers for an initial fee of around £2.5m and will be reunited with manager Mark Hughes, who he played under at City.

Onuoha, who can play anywhere across the back four, has been out of favour at Eastlands for some time.

Rangers were confident of signing the 25-year-old even before the appointment of Hughes, whose predecessor Neil Warnock was also keen to capture him.

A bid was tabled soon after the transfer window opened at the start of January but City were keen to keep Onuora as a back-up player until later in the month.

On Thursday evening it appeared unlikely that his move to Loftus Road would be completed in time for him to make his debut in this weekend’s vital match against Wigan.

And even if the deal is rubber-stamped by then, Hughes would be reluctant to put him straight into the starting line-up.

“He’s not had a lot games and we have to be mindful of that, so we wouldn’t expect him to go straight into the team if it’s concluded before the weekend,” said Hughes.

“But he’s a player I obviously know – as an individual as well – and I’m sure he’ll be very keen to make an impression quickly.”

It has been suggested that Onuora may be reluctant to move south for personal reasons, but Hughes is confident of getting his man.

The R’s boss said: “He’s got personal circumstances as every player does, but certainly from a football point of view I think we can convince him that this is where his future lies.”

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