Tal Ben Haim: QPR defender joins MLS side Toronto FC on loan

QPR defender Tal Ben Haim has joined Major League Soccer team Toronto FC on loan until the end of June.

The Israel international, 31, was signed by Rangers boss Harry Redknapp in the January transfer window, and made just six appearances for the club.

"He's exactly the sort of veteran defender we need," said Toronto FC president Kevin Payne.

The Canadian club are managed by former QPR defender Ryan Nelsen, who played his last game for the Hoops in January.

Payne described Ben Haim, who has also played for Bolton, Chelsea, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Sunderland and West Ham, as "one of the top defenders in the Premier League for nearly a decade".

He added: "He captains his national team and Ryan thinks the world of him."

New Zealander Nelsen also signed QPR winger Hogan Ephraim on loan in February, but a deal to sign ex-Bolton striker Kevin Davies fell through in April.

QPR were relegated from the Premier League along with Reading on 28 April.