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Caulker completes QPR switch

Steven Caulker will partner Rio Ferdinand in defence for his new side © Getty Images

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Steven Caulker is Harry Redknapp's second signing of the summer after completing his move from Cardiff to QPR.

Caulker, 22, has signed a four-year deal after an undisclosed fee was agreed with Cardiff and is the second central defender to join following the arrival of Rio Ferdinand on a free transfer.

"I'm very excited to be here. It was important for me to be back playing in the Premier League and Harry Redknapp has given me the opportunity to be at this fantastic club,'' Caulker told the club's official website.

"Harry was a big factor for me having worked with him at Tottenham. He was very keen for me to join and it was a big plus knowing the manager wants you.

"Being able to play with Rio was also a big draw. He has been a role model of mine for many years, along with Ledley King. To have the opportunity to play alongside him was something I felt I couldn't miss out on.

"Our first aim this season has to be to get to 40 points to make sure we stay up. That's our first goal.''

Caulker, an £8 million signing from Tottenham for the 2013/14 season, played every minute of Cardiff's debut season in the Premier League that ended in relegation.

He made his first Tottenham appearance under Redknapp in 2010 and the Rangers manager is delighted the two have been reunited in west London.

"I know the ability Steven has and I think it's an important signing for the club - for the here and now, and for the future,'' Redknapp said. "I had him at Tottenham and I was very surprised when they decided to let him go last summer because I thought he had a big future there.

"He's young and is already a fine player, but he has so much more potential. It's a really excellent signing for the club. When good players like Steven become available, who can come in and have a real impact, you've got to try and get them.

"I'm sure he will come in and show exactly what he's capable of. He's got everything to be a top, top centre-half, so I couldn't be more pleased to have him."

Welcome to #QPR, @Caulker4 #StevenSigns pic.twitter.com/tU9nmNDhE7

— QPR FC (@QPRFC) July 22, 2014

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