Harry Redknapp: 'Ryan Nelsen could leave in January'

Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp had revealed that Ryan Nelsen could leave the club in the January transfer window.

The veteran defender has been linked with a coaching role at his former club DC United.

Redknapp has now confirmed that there is some truth in the rumour and admitted that it would be a "massive blow" to the club's chances of survival if the 35-year-old was to leave.

"There is some truth in the rumour I'm afraid," said Redknapp. "Nelsen is very important to us, a fantastic leader, a top player. But he has been offered a job in America and I think there is every chance he might want to go.

"He wants to be a manager and it is a chance for him to manage a club. He has been fantastic. I took him to Tottenham last year from Blackburn. He's one of the best pros I've ever met in my life, a fantastic player, a great trainer, a leader.

"He is a massive part of your team. To lose him would be a massive blow for us. I'll have to speak to the owner to see what the situation is with that. We'll try [to keep him] but it is difficult."

Nelsen is currently in the middle of a one-year deal at Loftus Road.