Three new faces – ​Is this what QPR’s defence will look like next term?

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Queens Park Rangers have been linked with several new defenders. Is this how they will line up?

Left-back: Traore

Armand Traore has signed a fresh two-year deal at Loftus Road, suggesting Harry Redknapp has enough faith in the 23-year-old to let him play a big part in QPR’s season ahead.

Traore joined the west London club in 2011 and was a regular starter in the Championship last campaign, proving a versatile defender that can play in a number of positions.

Redknapp may have been interested in a move for Ashley Cole once upon a time, though the former Chelsea left-back now looks set for a move abroad. How many other realistic options are there in that position? Traore would not be a bad bet to thus make the left-back slot his own for a long time to come.

Centre-back: Ferdinand

There was talk that Rio Ferdinand’s move to QPR might be vetoed by the Rs board due to the veteran centre-back’s age. However, Redknapp yesterday confirmed that the 36-year-old should be moving to Loftus Road this summer.

As such, the former Manchester United stalwart is unlikely to settle for a place on the bench. He may lack the pace of his younger days – but Ferdinand still has the nous and ability to help QPR stay in the Premier League. His place looks a guaranteed one whenever his fitness will allow him to play.

Centre-back: Caulker

Another defender Redknapp has stated looks likely to join the Rs is Cardiff City’s Steven Caulker, formerly of Tottenham. The 22-year-old shone last season, despite the Bluebirds’ relegation, and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.

Reports have also recently surfaced that another QPR target, Brede Hangeland, is now wanted by Cardiff, making it likely that he will be a replacement for Caulker in Wales and not a team-mate of his at QPR.

Nottingham Forest havereportedly rejected Redknapp’s bid for young defender Jamaal Lascelles, so Caulker looks the likeliest option to start in west London next term.

Right-back: Johnson

Perhaps the most controversial of QPR’s back line, the right-back position could end up being filled by Liverpool’s Glen Johnson.

According to reports, Redknapp is stracking the Reds right-back, having previously worked with him at Portsmouth. And, although doubts have surfaced over Johnson’s defensive abilities, his regular place within Liverpool’s side – and England’s World Cup XI – could guarantee him a starting spot at Loftus Road.