QPR poised to confirm Hasselbaink appointment

QPR are holding talks with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and are on course to confirm his appointment as head coach this weekend. 

Burton Albion granted Rangers permission to speak to the Dutchman after an official approach was made following the League One club’s win against Millwall on Tuesday evening.

That victory left the Brewers top of the table but is likely to be Hasselbaink’s last match at the helm.

The former Chelsea striker, 43, is keen to return to London and wants to take over at Loftus Road, where Neil Warnock is currently in interim charge and will remain so for Thursday’s game at Reading.

Hasselbaink, whose playing career also included spells at Leeds, Middlesbrough and Charlton, has spent a year as Burton boss.

He previously spent a year as manager of Belgian club Royal Antwerp, where he rejected a new contract in order to pursue jobs in England.

Burton won the League Two title under Hasselbaink last season and have been a revelation in the third tier this term.

He took over from Gary Rowett, who left to join Birmingham City and has been targeted by QPR and Fulham but is set to stay put.

Rangers have spoken to several out-of-work managers, including Chris Powell, and regarded Wolves boss Kenny Jackett, who had a four-year spell as QPR assistant manager under Ian Holloway, as a potential option.

A number of other current Championship managers were also briefly considered, including MK Dons’ Karl Robinson, but QPR’s owners were unenthused, with Hasselbaink very much the preferred choice.