Rio (Press Updates)

Raoul

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Teamtalk: (2100 GMT Friday)

Leeds have turned down a second bid from Manchester United, believed to be around £29m, for unsettled defender Rio Ferdinand.

The fresh offer has been rejected by Elland Road supremo Peter Ridsdale, and means the Reds could be forced to go back to Leeds with another improved offer before the 23-year-old is due to jet off with the Whites for their pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East on Saturday.

Leeds want around £35million for Ferdinand and Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate to tie up the deal as soon as possible, but it appears Ridsdale is not prepared to let the centre-back go without a fight.

Ferdinand met with Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale on Thursday for showdown talks over his future at the club, after handing in a transfer request on Wednesday.

The former West Ham star is keen to make the switch to Leeds' fiercest rivals and says his mind was already made up before he jetted off to the World Cup finals.

Ferdinand said: "I did it for the good of my career.

"I have told Mr Ridsdale why I feel I have to leave and I think he understands. He told me if an acceptable offer came in for me, he would consider it.

"There is no animosity on either side. I just feel I need Champions League football to help my career.

"I played in it once with Leeds and it was brilliant and I feel I need more of it now to make me a better player.

"A footballer has a short career and you have to make the most of your opportunities.

"The chance to get back in the Champions League is too good to miss. It is a natural progression in a footballer's career to want to play at the top in Europe.

"Being at the World Cup didn't make me think like that. I felt that way before I went.

"I want to play against the best all the time, that's what I'm striving for. It's important to me,"
 
Rednews: (2245 GMT, Friday)

One of OT sources says that although talks have been made - more of phone call sort than face to face - don't believe all you have read about £29m odd bids. There are a lot of games being played at Elland Road and just because they have hinted they are waiting for £35m - it might be a face saving exercise. They asked us - would United have jumped from £20m to £29m in one go? We await more developments.