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Championship side Queens Park Rangers have signed USA international defender Oguchi Onyewu on a short-term contract.

The 31-year-old centre-back, who played 11 times for Newcastle during a loan spell in 2007, was a free agent after leaving Sporting Lisbon this summer.

Onyewu, who has won 68 international caps, has been training with the west London club in recent weeks.

"QPR are a club with huge ambitions to return to the Premier League and I wanted to be part of it," he said.

"I had a really good feeling about QPR from the moment I arrived here. I've been welcomed by the club and I feel good here already.

"I've already integrated well into the group, so I'm looking forward to what will hopefully be a very successful and happy time here."

Washington DC-born Onyewu began his club career with French side Metz in 2002 and moved to Belgium two years later for a five-year spell with Standard Liege.

After his time at Newcastle, he joined AC Milan in 2009 but his time at the Italian side was cut short by injury and his only appearance for the club came in the Champions League.

Following a spell in the Netherlands with FC Twente, he joined Sporting in 2011 but spent last season on loan with Spanish side Malaga.

Onyewu is aiming to help QPR manager Harry Redknapp achieve an immediate return to the top flight.

"I want to help the club get back to the Premier League - that's why I've come here," Onyewu said.

"Harry believes I can come in and help the team out and when you've got the backing of the coach and his staff, ultimately that tells me that I've made the right decision to come here and try this new challenge.

"England is a fantastic place to play and I can't wait to get started here."