Redknapp keen on Anelka

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed his interest in bringing Nicolas Anelka back to west London.

The 33-year-old French international left rivals Chelsea to join Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua this time last year. However, Anelka looks set to end his time at the club following a pay dispute and Redknapp has confirmed his interest in bringing him to Loftus Road.

"He is a player that is of interest to anybody," the Rs boss said. "I think he is finishing in China so he is available. He is a top player so he is a player we would be interested in, but whether we could afford to get anywhere near I him I am not sure."

He added: "It is what you can do, whether you can afford these players, what they are looking for, whether they are reasonable, whether you can deal with them and most importantly whether you think they can do the job you want.

"I think the chairman knows Nicolas' people and that so has got a few details on what it would be. It depends, as I say, just how expensive the whole package comes to. If it is within reason, he is a player that could certainly improve your team. There is no doubt about it."

QPR confirmed earlier on Friday that technical director Mike Rigg has left the club.

Rigg joined the Barclays Premier League strugglers from Manchester City last season to renew his partnership with then Rangers boss Mark Hughes.

Redknapp confirmed on Friday Rigg has been followed out of the club by assistant manager Mark Bowen and first-team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki, who have long been part of predecessor Hughes' coaching set-up.

The R's boss also confirmed goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock and head of coaching Glyn Hodges have stayed with the club.