QPR TO FILL BEALE HOLE

BY ANDY NEWPORT

QPR have begun their search for a new boss as Loftus Road chiefs start preparations for life after Michael Beale.

The London outfit are bracing themselves for an official approach from Rangers seeking permission to speak to their manager.

But while they wait, they have instructed a string of top agents to start putting out feelers for potential replacements should

Steven Gerrard’s former No.2 decide he’s set on a move back to Ibrox.

It’s only a month since the R’s started a similar process after allowing Beale (right) to meet with Wolves to discuss the vacancy at Molineux.

The Premier League strugglers were stunned when the 42-year-old knocked back that offer but QPR bosses fear he will find it harder to resist a return to Rangers.

Les Ferdinand, director of football at the English championship side, has already confessed he will not stand in Beale’s way if he is serious about rejoining the club he quit just a year ago when he followed Gerrard to Aston Villa.

However, that would depend on Gers coughing up the £1.5million release clause in Beale’s contract.

The Ibrox club drew up a six-man short-list of candidates to replace Gio van Bronckhorst.