QPR waiting to swoop on Manchester United exile Rio Ferdinand #BringBackOurGirls #Entertain9jar via @myentertain9jar

HARRY REDKNAPP is ready to offer Rio Ferdinand a return to London as he prepares to fulfil QPR owner Tony Fernandes's pledge not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Harry Redknapp is ready to strengthen his QPR squad for the Premier League[REUTERS]

Redknapp, who will be offered a new extended contract on Wednesday, guided Rangers back to the top flight after a one-year absence with Championship play-off final victory over Derby on Saturday.

Redknapp, 67, who can expect a rise on his current £3million-a-year deal, has told Fernandes he will need new players, and former West Ham star Ferdinand, released by Manchester United this summer and now a free agent, is an early target.

But Zamora, the man who scored the last-minute goal that took Rangers up, could be facing heartbreak, with his £2.6m-a-year wages a possible block to a new contract at the age of 33.

Rangers dropped out of the top division with total debts of £177m, having made a loss that year of £65.4m. Last summer they moved on 10 players, loaned out another six and released two to try to clear their massive losses, but still face a £50m fine for financial irregularities.

Fernandes insists he will fight the fine and potential transfer embargo by the Football League - and vowed never to spend recklessly again.

Rio Ferdinand started his playing career at London club West Ham United [GETTY]

 

"I am very comfortable. I am a little bit of a richer man today. Maybe I will get some payback," he said. "I just want to enjoy it. Financials and all these things will come out in due course.

"Yes we made mistakes. But now we are smarter. We are not perfect. We are going to make mistakes. Even the biggest clubs in the world will make mistakes.

"But we are wiser and smarter and have the right kind of patrols in place. Being in the Championship you learn a lot about great young players as well.

"Harry is already talking about transfers. I said 'congratulations' and sat down and he talked to me about a couple of players. He is a fighter, he will die with his boots on and that is why we love him."

Midfielder Gary O'Neil, sent off at Wembley, is another waiting to see whether he will be offered a new deal this summer.