Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker being lined up by QPR

Rio Ferdinand has won 81 caps for England

Queens Park Rangers are set to sign Rio Ferdinand, while they have also agreed a fee for his fellow central defender Steven Caulker.

Ferdinand, 35, is expected to join on a free transfer after his release from Manchester United.

A bid for Cardiff City captain Caulker, 22, has been accepted but Rangers will face opposition from other clubs.

Harry Redknapp's side were promoted to the Premier League last season and the manager is keen to reshape his squad.

Steven Caulker captained Cardiff City last season

QPR have released Andrew Johnson, Aaron Hughes and Stephane Mbia after their contracts expired.

They have also confirmed the departure of former England full-back Luke Young, 34, along with Hogan Ephraim, Angelo Balanta and Tom Hitchcock.

Peckham-born Ferdinand spent 12 years at United and made 455 appearances. He won six Premier League titles, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Club World Cup while at Old Trafford.

Caulker joined Cardiff from Tottenham but has a release clause in his contract that was triggered by the club's relegation from the Premier League last season.