QPR defender Nelsen agrees to take charge of MLS side FC Toronto

QPR defender Ryan Nelsen has agreed a deal to take on the vacant managerial role at Canadian outfit FC Toronto.

As Goal.com exclusively revealed on Monday, Nelsen has been targeted to replace former England international Paul Mariner and become the club's eight manager in their six-year history.

The 35-year-old is contracted to the Rs until the end of the season but, with the new MLS campaign set to begin in March, appears unlikely to see out his deal.

According to the west London club's official website, the New Zealand-born defender is now in talks with boss Harry Redknapp over his departure - though he is expected to feature against Tottenham at the weekend.

Nelsen joined QPR after departing White Hart Lane over the summer and has made 18 Premier League appearances so far this season.

However, the centre-back, who previously played in MLS with DC United, is set to hang up his boots in order to mak e his first foray into management.