QPR prepare January swoop for veteran defender Ricardo Carvalho

 Premier League basement side QPR are set to target Real Madrid veteran defender Ricardo Carvalho in the January transfer window.

Ricardo Carvalho could be set to end his two-and-a-half-year spell at the Bernabeu in January

The 34-year-old centre-back has been told his contract at the Bernabeu will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season and could be tempted with a move back to the Premier League as early as the turn of the year.

Carvalho served in Chelsea’s back-line for six seasons, winning three league titles and three FA Cups in his time at Stamford Bridge before moving to Real Madrid in 2010.

And he is now wanted back in west London - but by Mark Hughes at QPR.

Hughes’ side have yet to win a Premier League game this term and sit bottom of the table, having conceded 18 goals in their opening nine fixtures and are looking to add stability and experience to their defence.

The Hoops are willing to offer the former Portugal international an 18-month deal at Loftus Road, where he would join other high-profile names such as goalkeeper Julio Cesar and former Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero.