Anton Ferdinand-John Terry: QPR ask their defender to shake hands

Queens Park Rangers are encouraging Anton Ferdinand to shake hands with Chelsea's John Terry before Saturday's FA Cup tie, BBC Sport understands.

The pair will meet for the first time since Terry was charged with racially abusing Ferdinand in October's derby.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has appealed for calm ahead of the game at QPR's Loftus Road ground.

QPR and Chelsea are expected to issue a joint statement later this week in a bid to lower tensions around the tie.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter appeared to suggest in November that racial discrimination could be settled with a handshake, although the 75-year-old later apologised for any offence his comments may have caused.

Blatter later apologised for his comments and any offence they caused

The Chelsea skipper was charged after his side's 1-0 league defeat at Loftus Road on 23 October.

The England captain, who denies the allegations, is due to attend a hearing at West London magistrates court on 1 February.

Saturday's fourth-round game will kick off at noon, partly on the advice of police.