Former Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim has been handed a trial spell at Queens Park Rangers by manager Harry Redknapp in an attempt to strengthen one of the worst defences in the English Premier League, Sky Sports understands.
Ben Haim, 30, has been looking for a new club since being shown the door by Portsmouth in August, and QPR seems to be a good fit.
The Israel international can play several defensive positions, including centre-back, right-back and sweeper, and has over 60 international caps to his name.
“I am having a look at him, he’s a good defender, he’s a good lad and has a great attitude,” said Redknapp.
“He looks very fit and I have let him come in and train, we will just see where we go in the next couple of weeks.”
Ben Haim has played for seven clubs since turning pro in 2001, including different six Premier League sides: Maccabi Tel Aviv (2001-04), Bolton Wanderers (2004-07), Chelsea (2007-08), Manchester City (2008-09), Sunderland (2009, loan), Portsmouth (2009-12) and West Ham United (2010-11, loan).
According to reports, Ben Haim has agreed to terms with Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou R&F. He is expected to make his debut for the club, who signed former Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni in the summer, in January.
Henley inks long-term extension
Blackburn Rovers full-back Adam Henley has signed a new five-year contract at Ewood Park amid reports of Premier League interest in the 18-year-old defender ahead of the January transfer window, Sky Sports reports.
The Wales Under-21 international has become a first-team regular under new Rovers boss Henning Berg.
As a result of his performances on the pitch, Henley has earned a long-term extension despite having made just 15 appearances for Blackburn.
He made his Premier League debut at the age of 17 last season, and featured in the side that defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“It is fantastic, it is something I’ve been working towards for a long time now and it feels great to get it done,” Henley told the club’s official website.
“I really enjoy it here, I always have, I’ve been here since I was nine or ten and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It feels great to secure my time here.”
Rovers manager Henning Berg is very pleased with the deal, adding: “We are very happy that Adam has agreed to extend his contract. He is a talented young player, with good potential, who has done really well since he came back into the team.
“He has shown in the games that he is capable of doing well for us and we believe that this is the right place for him to develop further.”
Henley has made seven starts in the English Championship for Rovers this season, with Blackburn recording an unimpressive 1-3-3 record in those fixtures.
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