Soccer:Mark Hughes stands on the brink of becoming the next manager of QPR after today arriving at Loftus Road to discuss the vacancy. Hughes was partnered by advisor Kia Joorabchian as QPR look to move swiftly to replace Neil Warnock following his sacking last night.

It is understood owner Tony Fernandes will lead the talks, despite announcing earlier today he was due to fly out to China for a vital business meeting regarding his AirAsia airline.

Rangers chief executive Philip Beard earlier today vowed the club would act “very quickly” to bring in a new boss following Warnock’s departure after 22 months in charge. A run of eight league matches without a win, in which QPR mustered just two points, cost Warnock his job, leaving the club in 17th, one point above the relegation zone.

The 2-2 FA Cup third-round draw at League One MK Dons on Saturday, in which QPR grabbed a last-gasp equaliser proved to be the final straw for Fernandes. Although the likes of Gianfranco Zola, Rafael Benitez, Roberto di Matteo, Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve Bruce have been linked with the position, Hughes has been the leading candidate from the off.

In arriving at the club with Joorabchian around 3pm, it now appears a matter of the Welshman simply agreeing terms. One of the reasons behind Fernandes’ fast thinking is not only the forthcoming games, but also to give Hughes as much time as possible to act in the transfer market.

It is understood a sizeable kitty is available, with QPR already having had a bid rejected by Blackburn last week for defender Chris Samba.