English defender Nedum Onuoha has joined QPR from Manchester City on a four-and-a-half-year deal, the London club says.

The 25-year-old Nigeria-born player came through City’s youth ranks but was unable to force his way into Roberto Mancini’s first XI.

Onuoha spent last season on loan at Sunderland. He made 31 league appearances and scored a memorable solo goal in a 3-0 victory at Chelsea in November 2010.

QPR boosted its defensive options earlier this week by signing Nigeria defender Taye Taiwo on loan from AC Milan until the end of the season.

QPR are two points and two places above the relegation zone.

QPR manager Mark Hughes says Onuoha “did very well for me at Manchester City and played a number of games, probably more than under any other manager.”

Hughes added that Onuoha is “very versatile. He can play centre-back or right-back, and has good pace. He is a very good addition to the squad.”

The fee for Onuoha is about STG2.5 million ($A3.75 million), Press Association Sport understands.

“This was the right time for me to join a club like QPR,” Onuoha added on the club’s official website.

“The manager obviously played a massive factor in my decision to come here. I’ve worked with him before and he always wants players around him who are open and honest.

“He wouldn’t have come here if he didn’t believe that there was a squad of players here that can achieve the goals he has.

“The ambition of the owners was really appealing. This is my club now and I’ll give everything to help us succeed.”

Onuoha could make his QPR debut in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against west London rivals Chelsea, although Hughes has previously indicated he is willing to give the versatile defender time to settle in due to his recent lack of first-team football.