QPR's new boss is keen to keep the Chelsea ties going despite the fans' fears

In his first interview since taking over at Loftus Road, the Italian said that a strong relationship with the FA Cup holders was a vital part of his strategy to revive his club's fortunes.

The move is, however, a controversial one and risks antagonising some Rangers fans who are unsettled at the friendly rapport which exists with their historic west London rivals.

Chelsea trio Ben Sahar, Michael Mancienne and Scott Sinclair are all on loan at Rangers, while another Blues youngster, Jimmy Smith, spent much of the last season in Shepherds Bush.

Ex-Rangers manager John Gregory made no secret of his admiration for Chelsea and De Canio is similarly minded.

He said: "We need Chelsea, and they need us. We can guarantee a serious, professional environment for Chelsea's young players, who know that if they come here, they will improve and they will grow as players.

"I have had a good impression of the Chelsea players who are here, as I have had of all of the squad. I noticed a real willingness on the part of the players to work hard and to follow our methods, so I am very happy."

What will surely be crucial for Rangers' immediate prospects is how quickly their manager can learn to speak English.

Although the 50-year-old, who has coached 10 clubs in his own country including Serie A sides Napoli, Udinese and Siena, is taking lessons in the language twice a day, he still needs an interpreter to enable him to put his message across.

Fellow Italian Francesco Coco has been brought in on trial, but De Canio insists he will make it a priority to sign English players during the January transfer window and rejected suggestions that he would seek to ship over large numbers of Italian imports.

He continued: "The idea that an Italian manager will always try to bring in Italian players is not always correct.

"I am trying to bring in players who can help us climb the table - I will not look at their nationality. We will look at the English market, but we will also look at the world market.

"In the first instance, I will look at English players. But after that, I will look at players in other countries, including Italy."