QPR manager Harry Redknapp is reluctant to sell goalkeeper Rob Green in the January transfer window.

The 32-year-old, who joined the club from West Ham in the summer transfer window, played in the R’s first four games of the season – beginning with a nightmare start in the 5-0 defeat against Swansea.

His season hit an abrupt halt when former manager Mark Hughes signed Inter Milan stopper Julio Cesar and started the Brazil international as soon as he was available.

It is understood that being dropped to the bench unsettled the former England international and he has been contemplating a departure for pastures new in January but Redknapp is keen for him to stay.

“Yes, he’s in my plans,” the R’s boss told the Times. “I don’t want to lose Rob Green – he’s a top goalkeeper.”

In a new twist to the tale, Cesar picked up a groin injury at Sunderland last month allowing Green to return to the side.

However, manager and player have not had any discussions about the stopper’s well-being at Loftus Road.

“I haven’t discussed [his happiness at the club] with him,” Redknapp explained.

With Rangers at the bottom of the league, the 65-year-old would rather add to his squad than deplete it in January by allowing Green and others to leave.

“We need players,” Redknapp added. “We don’t want to be selling them at the moment.

“The ones that I want to keep, we’ve got to keep.

“We’re looking to get better not worse. You need two top goalkeepers and we have that here.”

There is no guarantee though that Green will be able to keep his place in the QPR starting line-up once Cesar returns.

This is because the former Spurs boss believes that competition is needed in every position, including in goal.

“Yeah [it’s a good battle between them], they’re two top goalkeepers,” Redknapp explained.

QPR, who remain eight points off safety following their 2-2 draw at Wigan on Saturday, play host to west London rivals Fulham on Saturday as they look to win their first league game of the season.

The R’s will also be looking for revenge after the Whites completed the double over them last campaign.

At Craven Cottage, Fulham triumphed 6-0 with now Rangers striker Andy Johnson scoring a hat-trick.

In the reverse fixture at Loftus Road, the then Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak scored the only goal of the game, while Samba Diakite was sent off on his R’s debut.