Mirror - The Portuguese, who has a spell at Real Madrid on his CV, is currently manager of Iran but could be tempted by a Premier League return

Carlos Queiroz has emerged as a major contender to be QPR's next permanent manager.

It is believed that QPR made enquiries about the former Real Madrid boss, who is currently in charge of Iran's national team, before

Chris Ramsey was placed in charge until the end of the season.

Ramsey has a genuine chance of being offered the job on a permanent basis if Rangers enjoy a strong finish to their Premier League campaign - and he has major support from within the dressing-room.

Yet owner Tony Fernandes has been considering options with Queiroz, who had two spells as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United, a serious candidate.

The 61-year-old Portuguese is considered to fit the bill as the hands-on 'head coach' figure Fernandes is seeking to replace Harry Redknapp.

He also has a good track record of developing young players, which would be a prerequisite for any new QPR boss.

Sources within the club are sceptical about Fernandes's claim on Twitter that he had identified his 'dream manager' before Ramsey's interim appointment.

But it is understood that Queiroz is being considered and that he may be keen to return to English football.

Queiroz is under contract with Iran, meaning that no speedy appointment could have been made in the wake of Redknapp's resignation three weeks ago.

But the experienced Portuguese may be open to a summer move after the nation's Asian Cup campaign ended in a quarter-final defeat by Iraq in Australia last month.