Harry Redknapp desperate to replace outgoing pair

Harry Redknapp is stepping up his bid to sign two centre-halves before the transfer window shuts because Ryan Nelsen and Anton Ferdinand are set to leave Queens Park Rangers.

Nelsen will take over as the new manager of MLS side Toronto FC on February 1. He is expected to make his last appearance for QPR in the home game against Manchester City next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Ferdinand, who has started just two League games since Redknapp took over in November, has agreed to join Turkish side Bursaspor on loan for the rest of the season.

QPR are keen to get Ferdinand (above) off the wage bill but the switch is on hold until Redknapp finds a replacement.

If Ferdinand joins Nelsen in leaving, Redknapp will have just Clint Hill, Nedum Onuoha and Stephane M’Bia as his central defenders.

Redknapp has so far failed in his attempts to sign Jonas Olsson, William Gallas, Michael Dawson, Sylvain Distin and Joleon Lescott.