Get Parker: Fernandes earmarks first target as QPR owner

Fernandes is keen to sign the West Ham captain Scott Parker (GETTY IMAGES)

Tony Fernandes will today complete his takeover of Queen's Park Rangers when he buys a controlling interest from motor sport tycoon Bernie Ecclestone. The Malaysian airline entrepreneur is expected to appear with manager Neil Warnock at a press conference this afternoon to discuss his plans for the west London club.

The priority for both men is strengthening a team that lost 4-0 at home to Bolton on Saturday, in their first Premier League match for 15 years. Fernandes is as aware as Warnock that major investment is required if he is not to inherit a Championship-bound club.

Warnock, starved of funds under the current regime, will be given a significant transfer kitty, the bulk of which will be offered to West Ham United in an attempt to acquire Scott Parker. The England international, who wants to return to the Premier League, but would prefer to stay in London, is seen as the ideal player to lead Rangers' fight against relegation. Warnock is also on the hunt for at least two defenders.

Fernandes has twice attempted to buy West Ham, who he supports, but QPR fans are so disenchanted with their current owners most will not hold that allegiance against him as long as he ploughs some of his estimated £287m fortune into the club.