By Dave McIntyre QPR are expected to finally appoint a new coach in the next 48 hours. Co-owner Flavio Briatore is set to fly to London early this week and install a successor to Paulo Sousa, whose contract was terminated in April following a number of be

By Dave McIntyre

QPR are expected to finally appoint a new coach in the next 48 hours.

Co-owner Flavio Briatore is set to fly to London early this week and install a successor to Paulo Sousa, whose contract was terminated in April following a number of behind-the-scenes problems.

Former Rs coach Luigi De Canio has been considered for the job and confirmed his departure from Italian club Lecce on Sunday, while Briatore is believed to be keen on Paolo Maldini now the AC Milan legend's playing career has finished.

And Antonio Tapia, who has suggested QPR are interested in him, resigned as coach of Spanish club Malaga on Sunday evening.

Rangers have edged closer to hiring a foreigner after their interest in various experienced British managers came to nothing.

Neil Warnock and Kevin Blackwell were targets but committed their futures to Crystal Palace and Sheffield United respectively, with Rangers reluctant to pay compensation for another club's manager.

Former Charlton and West Ham boss Alan Curbishley and ex-Wigan manager Paul Jewell were not keen on the job and several other British candidates failed to impress.

Aidy Boothroyd was considered, having guided Watford to promotion from the Championship in 2006, while Jim Magilton, recently sacked by Ipswich, was among those also interviewed.