Yossi Benayoun: QPR sign ex-Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder

QPR have signed former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old Israel captain was a free agent following his release by the Blues in the summer.

Benayoun has played in England since 2005 and has also had spells with West Ham and Arsenal.

"Yossi is a good footballer, a top-class player," QPR boss Harry Redknapp told the club website. "I think he will be a fantastic addition to the squad."

He added: "We have got a lot of fixtures coming up over the Christmas period and in the New Year, so we are going to need a good squad of quality players for that."

Benayoun began his career in his homeland with Hapoel Be'er Sheva and, after four years with Maccabi Haifa, joined Spanish club Racing Santander in 2002, before moving to England three years later.

"I have been training here for two weeks and now I can't wait to get involved and help the team," Benayoun said.

"The manager was a very big factor for me. He showed me from the beginning that he really wanted me, and he is someone I have always wanted to play for so I am very happy.

"I have played in the Premier League for the last eight years and I enjoy England very much.

"The Championship is also a great league and I am looking forward to playing in it and helping QPR build on a great start to the season."