QPR to appoint former Champions League manager, 44, who launched Real Madrid star’s career after Marti Cifuentes axe

QPR are set to name former Rennes and Strasbourg boss Julien Stephan as the club’s new head coach.

Rangers placed Marti Cifuentes on gardening leave in April after Sunsport revealed he was close to quitting the club following a breakdown in his relationship with 27-year-old chief executive Christian Nourry.

The decision to stand down Cifuentes came after the Spaniard’s representatives made contact with West Brom following Tony Mowbray’s sacking last month.

West Brom have since appointed Ryan Mason as their new boss.

But with no chance of a thawing in relations between Nourry and Cifuentes, Rangers turned their attention to Stephan.

The 44-year-old has been keen to work in England since being sacked by Ligue 1 side Rennes last November.

Stephan guided Rennes to the knock-out stages of the Europa League for the first time in 2018 where they lost 4-3 to Arsenal.

A year later he led the club to victory over PSG in the French Cup final.

The Frenchman also spent two seasons with Strasbourg before returning to his former club in 2023.

Stephan brought a host of big-name stars through the ranks at Rennes.

He was responsible for launching the career of Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga, and worked with Barcelona playmaker Raphinha.

And he also worked with Serhu Guirassy, Jeremy Doku and Ismaila Sarr.

Stephan has agreed terms on a two-year deal with the Championship club.

QPR have been out of the top flight since relegation from the Premier League in 2015.

They are preparing for their 11th-straight season in the Championship, with just two top-half finishes in that time.

Last season they finished 15th, six points clear of the relegation zone but ten behind the playoff places in what was ultimately a disappointing campaign.

Cifuente was placed on gardening leave in April, with the club recently releasing a host of players.