Sky Bet Championship side Queens Park Rangers have made contact with Troyes manager Rui Almeida regarding the vacant managerial role at Loftus Road.

The R's are on the lookout for a new manager after parting company with Steve McClaren last week, with the club embarking on a dismal run of form of late.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood was believed to be high up on the club's radar, with the likes of Mark Warburton and Michael Appleton also part of a reported four-man shortlist.

But reports from Football London claim that the West London side have now made contact with Portuguese boss Almeida regarding the vacant role.

The 49-year old is currently the manager of French side Troyes AC, who currently occupy 5th spot in the Ligue 2 standings after a hugely impressive season thus far.

He has been previously been in charge of other French sides Red Star and Bastia, but he is yet to manage in England.

After a 4-0 defeat to Norwich City at the weekend, the R's sit 18th in the Championship table, five points clear of the relegation zone.

The Verdict

This is a really interesting development, as I thought Tim Sherwood would be the man to take over at Loftus Road given his connections with Les Ferdinand.

Almeida certainly looks like a good manager on paper, taking his side to within touching distance to the automatic promotion spots in Ligue 2.

English football is a different kettle of fish though, and you wouldn't blame QPR fans for labelling this is a risky appointment.