QPR today shared an image of Michael Beale taking training as speculation mounts over a return to Rangers.

Highly-rated Beale is the front-runner to take over as Rangers manager after Giovanni van Bronckhorst was dismissed on Monday.

But QPR appeared to suggest it was business as usual at the club with Beale speaking to his players who returned to training during the World Cup break.

An image of Beale in conversation with his players on the training pitch was shared on the QPR club account with the caption "Back to work".

It comes as we told that Beale is on the brink of returning to Rangers to take the top job having preciously been a first-team coach at Ibrox under Steven Gerrard.

However, it's emerged that the picture tweeted by QPR was taken yesterday - and not on Thursday.

While the snap was shared on club social media accounts today, a news update on the QPR club website contained the image which was taken on Wednesday.

It's not known whether there has been an official approach for Beale from Rangers or whether the manager took QPR training today.

The website article read: "QPR returned to the training field today (Wednesday) following a brief break owing to the unprecedented pause in the footballing schedule.

"As this years World Cup kicks off, this meant that the Sky Bet Championship schedule has been paused, with Rangers' next clash coming on the 11th December against Burnley.ย 

"This gave Mick Beale's side an opportunity for a brief break, but the Super Hoops are now back on the training field."

Fans were quick to pick up on the date mismatch with some QPR supporters fearing Beale is ready for a switch to Rangers.

One comment read: "this was yesterday i believe"

Another user stated: "Telling the players heโ€™s gone.."

While a third comment simply added: "Off to Scotland"

It's thought that Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson and sporting director Ross Wilson are in London with the managerial search nearing a conclusion.

And it's understood Beale is edging closer to sealing a return to Ibrox with the club hoping to seal a deal to bring the coach back to Glasgow.

Reports earlier today suggested QPR are bracing for Beale's departure with talkSPORT claiming the London club are 'expecting' the manager to join Rangers.

READ MORE:ย