QPR want Tim Sherwood to take over as the new manager at Loftus Road.
Rangers have drawn up a shortlist of candidates to replace Steve McClaren since his sacking on Monday but Sherwood is their top target.
The 50-year-old worked with QPR director of football Les Ferdinand at Tottenham and the pair have remained close allies.
Sherwood has been out of work since leaving Aston Villa in 2015. He will want assurances over the club’s plans and financial restraints, but Rangers hope to convince him to return to management.
Sherwood was the strong favourite to land the QPR job in 2015 after Harry Redknapp quit before talks broke down.
Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth is on QPR’s shortlist if Sherwood does not take the job. A former Rangers midfielder who made over 100 appearances for the club, he twice served as caretaker manager during seven years at Loftus Road between 2003-10.
Charlton manager Lee Bowyer is another candidate who has been considered.
John Eustace has been named caretaker boss until Rangers find a permanent successor to McClaren. QPR, who play leaders Norwich away on Saturday, are eight points clear of the relegation zone in 17th with seven matches remaining
