Rio Ferdinand has turned down media jobs with BT Sport and the BBC to sign for Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old was released from Manchester United this summer but has been handed another crack at the Premier League by Harry Redknapp, who gave Ferdinand his professional debut at West Ham in 1996.

It is thought that Ferdinand will earn less than a third of the £200,000 a week he was paid at United but Redknapp has convinced the former England international that he is key to the plans for the London club’s survival in their first season back in the English top division.

Ferdinand is currently in Brazil reporting on the World Cup for the BBC but is expected to return to London soon to finalise the deal.

Ferdinand’s 12-year career in Manchester saw him lift the Premier League six times and the Champions league in Moscow in 2008.

Ferdinand has recieved offers to play abroad, most likely the United States, but it is the chance to play in the Premier League under the manager who helped him blossom as a youngster that has turned his head the most.