Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp had revealed that Ryan Nelsen could leave the club in the January transfer window.

The veteran defender has been linked with a coaching role at his former club DC United.

Redknapp has now confirmed that there is some truth in the rumour and admitted that it would be a "massive blow" to the club's chances of survival if the 35-year-old was to leave.

"There is some truth in the rumour I'm afraid," said Redknapp. "Nelsen is very important to us, a fantastic leader, a top player. But he has been offered a job in America and I think there is every chance he might want to go.

"He wants to be a manager and it is a chance for him to manage a club. He has been fantastic. I took him to Tottenham last year from Blackburn. He's one of the best pros I've ever met in my life, a fantastic player, a great trainer, a leader.

"He is a massive part of your team. To lose him would be a massive blow for us. I'll have to speak to the owner to see what the situation is with that. We'll try [to keep him] but it is difficult."

Nelsen is currently in the middle of a one-year deal at Loftus Road.