Uncharacteristically good article from Planetfootball....
RIO FERDINAND will sit down and discuss his future with Leeds United boss David O`Leary in the coming days, with a glowing reference from one of the world`s top strikers ringing in his ears.
The imposing centre back has been the subject of persistent transfer talk for much of the summer, and O`Leary feels the club may find it difficult to resist an offer over £30 million.
The player`s stock rose at the World Cup, following a string of commanding displays, culminating in the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brazil.
Ferdinand came up against Ronaldo and Rivaldo during the game with the Samba Stars, but he showed he belongs on the world stage with a fine performance.
After being shackled by Ferdinand, Internazionale ace Ronaldo said: "He`s not like any other English centre back.
"My job is to get past people and score goals but he was in control against me.
"He`s also good with the ball at his feet and I believe he was the best centre back at the tournament."
O`Leary will be pleased his prized asset received such a compliment, but it is sure to increase the number of clubs prepared to break the bank to land the former West Ham man.
Manchester United have been persistently linked, and O`Leary believes Sir Alex Ferguson made a mistake by not paying West Ham the £18 million they demanded prior to his move to Leeds.
The Irishman will do everything in his power to keep Ferdinand at Elland Road, but a bank-busting bid could force to PLC board to sell.
Speaking in his column in the Sunday People, O`Leary said: "I will talk to him about his future now he has returned from the World Cup.
"I'll start by finding out what he wants to do. Because, let's be honest, he will know all about Manchester United.
"The bottom line is that if Rio tells me he thinks that Manchester United are a bigger club and that he wants to go on to another level, then what can you do? Keep an unhappy player - and an unhappy £30 million-rated player at that?"
Looking back on the capture of Ferdinand from West Ham, O`Leary added: "Manchester United could have had Rio Ferdinand for £18 million but they didn't rate him. Now they will have to pay more than £30 million to get him second time around, if I have anything to do with it.
"Demanding that price won't be much of a consolation if he is to leave Leeds. I don't want him to go, I am against the transfer.
"Ultimately, the decision rests with the Leeds PLC. They will ask my advice and I'll tell them: 'No, we should not be selling a player like Ferdinand - and not to Manchester United.'
"For a start, should that deal take place, we are handing them the Premiership title. They will be champions, end of story."
Red Devils chairman Martin Edwards has added fuel to the fire by admitting Ferdinand would 'improve their squad' but added that he was not sure 'if Leeds are prepared to sell him."
Financial constraints are weighing heavily on O`Leary`s shoulders, as he added: "It's not easy planning for the new season, because I'm not sure who will be playing for us!
"We have to sell some players and we'll see how that turns out.
"My transfer deficit is £60 million but any time we want to cash in we can, because other clubs would love to have our players."
O`Leary feels The Whites are at a crossroads, adding: "I've been backed by the board in the transfer market - and I am grateful for that - but we've got to decide where we want to go.
"You can't expect to sell Rio Ferdinand and then run away with the League, or walk into the Champions League."
RIO FERDINAND will sit down and discuss his future with Leeds United boss David O`Leary in the coming days, with a glowing reference from one of the world`s top strikers ringing in his ears.
The imposing centre back has been the subject of persistent transfer talk for much of the summer, and O`Leary feels the club may find it difficult to resist an offer over £30 million.
The player`s stock rose at the World Cup, following a string of commanding displays, culminating in the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brazil.
Ferdinand came up against Ronaldo and Rivaldo during the game with the Samba Stars, but he showed he belongs on the world stage with a fine performance.
After being shackled by Ferdinand, Internazionale ace Ronaldo said: "He`s not like any other English centre back.
"My job is to get past people and score goals but he was in control against me.
"He`s also good with the ball at his feet and I believe he was the best centre back at the tournament."
O`Leary will be pleased his prized asset received such a compliment, but it is sure to increase the number of clubs prepared to break the bank to land the former West Ham man.
Manchester United have been persistently linked, and O`Leary believes Sir Alex Ferguson made a mistake by not paying West Ham the £18 million they demanded prior to his move to Leeds.
The Irishman will do everything in his power to keep Ferdinand at Elland Road, but a bank-busting bid could force to PLC board to sell.
Speaking in his column in the Sunday People, O`Leary said: "I will talk to him about his future now he has returned from the World Cup.
"I'll start by finding out what he wants to do. Because, let's be honest, he will know all about Manchester United.
"The bottom line is that if Rio tells me he thinks that Manchester United are a bigger club and that he wants to go on to another level, then what can you do? Keep an unhappy player - and an unhappy £30 million-rated player at that?"
Looking back on the capture of Ferdinand from West Ham, O`Leary added: "Manchester United could have had Rio Ferdinand for £18 million but they didn't rate him. Now they will have to pay more than £30 million to get him second time around, if I have anything to do with it.
"Demanding that price won't be much of a consolation if he is to leave Leeds. I don't want him to go, I am against the transfer.
"Ultimately, the decision rests with the Leeds PLC. They will ask my advice and I'll tell them: 'No, we should not be selling a player like Ferdinand - and not to Manchester United.'
"For a start, should that deal take place, we are handing them the Premiership title. They will be champions, end of story."
Red Devils chairman Martin Edwards has added fuel to the fire by admitting Ferdinand would 'improve their squad' but added that he was not sure 'if Leeds are prepared to sell him."
Financial constraints are weighing heavily on O`Leary`s shoulders, as he added: "It's not easy planning for the new season, because I'm not sure who will be playing for us!
"We have to sell some players and we'll see how that turns out.
"My transfer deficit is £60 million but any time we want to cash in we can, because other clubs would love to have our players."
O`Leary feels The Whites are at a crossroads, adding: "I've been backed by the board in the transfer market - and I am grateful for that - but we've got to decide where we want to go.
"You can't expect to sell Rio Ferdinand and then run away with the League, or walk into the Champions League."
