QPR agree deal with Madrid for former Chelsea star

High profile: Ricardo Carvalho would be a coup if QPR can sign him

Mark Hughes has agreed a deal with Real Madrid over bringing defender Ricardo Carvalho to Loftus Road on loan as he aims to tighten up at the back. 

His team shipped five at home against Swansea on the opening day of the season and the manager is determined it will not happen again. 

As well as working on the purchase of Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, Hughes has reached an agreement with Madrid over Carvalho but the clubs are yet to concur over the finer details of the move.


Carvalho won the Champions League at Porto but made his name with QPR's west London rivals Chelsea and, alongside new signing Jose Bosingwa, will leave Blues fans looking at a familiar defence when they play the R's on September 15, if the deal goes through.

He played alongside John Terry and was a vital part of the defence in Chelsea's 2004-05 and 2005-06 title winning seasons. 

Carvalho was hailed for his speed - both mentally and physically - as he was quick to snuff out danger. 

However he also practised the game's darker arts when he thought he could get away with it, including shirt-pulling and holding back attackers. 

Rivalries: Carvalho was a key component in both of Chelsea's title wins between 2004 and 2006

 

The defender linked up again with former Porto and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid in the summer of 2010 and was a key part of the side during his first season there.

However last season injury limited his appearances and he only played eight times in La Liga.

The 34-year-old has found it tough to break into the side ahead of Sergio Ramos and Pepe, who have formed a partnership at the heart of the Madrid backline, and he was not included in the squad for their season opener against Valencia.

Early bath: Carvalho walks off after being shown the red card against Real Zaragoza

 

Hughes saw his QPR team demolished 0-5 at home by Swansea on the first day of the season and has instantly taken steps to fix the leak. 

As well as making a move for Dawson, he has approached former Celtic and Fiorentina goalkeeper Artur Boruc to challenge Rob Green for the No 1 spot.

Green was culpable for a handling error which allowed Spanish midfielder Miguel Michu to open the scoring on Saturday, before then shipping four more goals. 

If he can acquire both Dawson and Carvalho it will give Rangers a far sturdier central-pairing than the duo that took to the field against Swansea, Anton Ferdinand and Clint Hill.