Redknapp plans new bid for Man Utd defender Ferdinand

Harry Redknapp is planning a new bid for defender Rio Ferdinand.

The London Evening Standard says Redknapp is a huge admirer of the defender, who he brought through West Ham's Academy into the first team when he was in charge at Upton Park.

Redknapp tried to sign the 32-year-old 12 months ago only to be told he wasn't for sale.

At the time he confessed he wasn't confident of ever signing Ferdinand but United now have six centre-backs at the club following the arrival of Blackburn defender Phil Jones, who Spurs were also interested in.

Redknapp said in April: "I've told the chairman many times that it's not always about the best players, it's about getting characters.

"Chelsea and United have had it over the years. William [Gallas] has given us experience and we've got Michael [Dawson] at the back but to keep progressing you need leaders. You can't have too many at your club."

Wages could be a stumbling block to any deal with Ferdinand earning £120,000 a week. But Redknapp needs help in defence with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate both having had injury problems.

Ferdinand boasts unbeaten record for over year

Rio Ferdinand boasts an enviable unbeaten record.

Incredibly, he is unbeaten in the 21 matches he has played for United this season and has not lost a club game in over a year - although his last was against Chelsea.

Fergie reckoned the England star was superb on his comeback at The Bridge.

He said: "That was probably one of his best performances in a United jersey.

"But I knew it would happen because all the incentives were there. The adrenalin of coming back, the importance of the occasion.

"When he was coming across in a buggy to the youth team game I said 'this bugger wants to play, I can tell'. You drive half a mile from the complex for one reason. I was really pleased."

Redknapp: I tried to buy Man Utd defender Ferdinand - I still want him

Harry Redknapp admits he tried to buy Rio Ferdinand at the start of the season.

The audacious move for Ferdinand failed – United said he was not for sale – and although Redknapp would like to try again for the defender he brought through the ranks at West Ham in the mid-1990s, he is not optimistic about his chances of success.

He said: "I can't ever see us getting Rio now. I was interested. Last year, I tried. I tried at the start of the season …

"When he was on the teamsheet against Chelsea in the Champions League, I thought Man United had got a much, much better chance of getting a result and it proved that way."

Ferdinand back early to boost Man Utd Treble prospects

Rio Ferdinand is being lined up for a return before the end of the season at Manchester united.

The Guardian says Ferdinand could give Sir Alex a considerable boost in his quest to guide Manchester United to the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble by making an early return from a calf injury after flying to Germany to see the leading specialist, Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt, for treatment this week.

Ferdinand visited Müller-Wohlfahrt, the club doctor at Bayern Munich whose previous clients include Steven Gerrard, the now retired Brazilian striker Ronaldo and Usain Bolt, on Monday for what is understood to have been an injection in his back to try to solve the calf problem he suffered in United's league match against Aston Villa on 1 February.

It is now thought that the player hopes to be back running soon. He is under medical supervision at United and the club's next game after the international break, the visit to West Ham United on Saturday week, may come too soon.

But, if Ferdinand does respond positively to treatment, then there would be real hope he could be fit to face Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final, in the second leg on 12 April, before the FA Cup semi-final against Man.City at Wembley four days later.

Sir Alex urged Ferdinand to follow Gary Neville's example! Retire?

Sir Alex Ferguson says Rio Ferdinand can follow Gary Neville's example and fight back from his latest calf injury.

Ferguson reported it was not related to the back issues that have badly affected Ferdinand over the last few years, but the player's inability to put together a long sequence of games is becoming an increasing concern at Old Trafford.

"Gary Neville suffered with injuries in his 30s and made comebacks time and time again but eventually he realised it was too much and retired," Ferguson said. "He was 36 and had had a great career. Rio's 32 and has plenty of years ahead. He's had a few injuries over the last few years, which I'm sure is a concern for him because he's still capable of getting back and playing at the top level. He needs to take the example of Gary Neville, and I'm sure he sees that.

"He's desperate to get back and he will get back, but obviously we're just unlucky that this calf injury has lasted too long."

Cahill under consideration at Man Utd to replace Ferdinand.

Manchester United have fears over the long-term future of England captain Rio Ferdinand.

The Daily Star says Ferdinand is struggling to find a cure for the back problems which have blighted his recent seasons.

United are worried the England star is hardly going to feature over the run-in to the season – and that his career could even be under threat if no solution is found next season.

Ferdinand’s fitness issues are the main reason Fabio Capello has decided to revert to John Terry as the permanent England captain.

But more worrying is whether the 32-year-old’s body can stand up to the demands of top-level football any more – and United have started looking for a replacement.

Gary Cahill is in the sights of Manchester United.

When last asked about Ferdinand’s fitness problems over a month ago, Fergie said: “You have to remember Rio’s been in first-team football since he was 17.

“That’s a long time so he will pick up these little strains – but I’m sure this isn’t a long-term thing.”

Ferdinand blanked by Capello at Old Trafford

England boss Fabio Capello blanked Rio Ferdinand last night.

The Sun says Ferdinand was expecting Capello - and his assistant Franco Baldini - to confirm whether they are stripping him of the England captaincy and handing the armband to John Terry.

But Capello and Baldini made no attempt to find Ferdinand at Old Trafford and the defender left the ground bemused, baffled - and blanked.

A source confirmed: "Rio hasn't got a clue what is going on.

"Capello has told journalists that Terry is taking over the captaincy - but hasn't had the decency or courage to say it to Rio's face.

"In fact, Rio doesn't even know if he's losing the captaincy or not - he's not heard from the FA or anyone.

"It's no way to treat a player who has been so committed to England.

"There's no respect for him at all. The whole thing is appalling."

Capello and Baldini were in the directors' box for the Champions League game against Marseille while Ferdinand - still unavailable through injury - sat on the opposite side of the stadium.

Rio had texts from fellow England players yesterday.

Our source added: "There is a lot of sympathy. They don't think he should have been treated like this."

Ferdinand proud of two years without booking

Rio Ferdinand is proud of his disciplinary record.

Ferdinand hasn't been booked since March 2009.

He told Inside United: "I think it’s down to the way I time my tackles. I never go out there to foul anybody – not that any player does; I just try to win the ball as cleanly as I can. There’s probably an element of luck in there as well, and some referees have probably been a little lenient when I could have been booked.

"There’s no big secret, though. The aim is to always win the ball cleanly and if you do that then you won’t be penalised. I haven’t always had a great disciplinary record. When I was a kid I got sent off for fighting when I was playing for my school team! In the classroom I wasn’t too bad – although I was a bit cheeky and talked a lot."

Ferdinand: Twitter has helped fans see real me

Rio Ferdinand says Twitter has helped him bridge the divide with fans.

Ferdinand has become a frequent user of Twitter in recent months and now has over 580,000 followers.

He explained to Inside United: "It was mainly to show people the real me. A lot of people perceive me in a certain way and a lot of that is down to how the media have chosen to portray me.

"It’s the image they’ve painted of me. I used to see loads of images in the papers of me with flashy earrings, big diamond chains or gold watches, but that’s not me anymore.

"Obviously it was me at one point, but that was a long time ago, when I was a kid and the money was all new to me. But it’s unfair to use those pictures now. I’m a different person these days. I’m much more mature.

"Twitter’s been good because it’s given me a platform to show people what I’m really like. I’ve heard people talking about me and they expect me to be on red carpets week in, week out. But I’ve only ever been on two red carpets in my entire life.

"At least on Twitter people can get an understanding on how you are, rather than how the media portray you. I’ve even had messages from fans thanking me for showing them what life for a professional footballer is really like.

"Some people think being a footballer is all about beautiful cars, big holidays and private jets. I swear some people think I get a jet to go down to the shop and buy a pint of milk!"

New contract for Berbatov and Ferdinand very soon.

Manchester United are ready to open new contract talks with Dimitar Berbatov.

The Manchester Evening Newssays on Friday his agent Emil Dantchev flew into England for a face-to-face meeting with Old Trafford chief executive David Gill – on the very same day Sir Alex delivered the news to the 20-goal striker that he wouldn’t start against City on Saturday in the key title battle.

On Sunday, however, it is understood that Dantchev and Gill held their initial talks to discuss a new lucrative deal for Berbatov.

The club’s record signing joined the Reds from Spurs in August 2008 and signed a four- year deal on his arrival.

That contract is up next summer and United are keen to tie the player down to a new agreement.

The Bulgarian is on an Old Trafford salary believed to be around £100,000 a week, but having seen Wayne Rooney capture a new £250,000- a-week deal earlier in the season, Berbatov could still expect to pocket an extra £75,000 on his current earnings.

 Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand is ready to open talks over a new Manchester United contract.

The defender has declared he'd like to play out his career with United.

Now 32, Ferdinand is seeking a two-year extension, says the News of the World.

For the moment, United manager Sir Alex is sticking to club policy by offering the defender a 12-month deal.

Ferdinand interested to be a manager with Gary Neville as assistant!

Rio Ferdinand admits he has management ambitions.

The England skipper admits he would also be interested in becoming a manager one day - with the recently retired Gary Neville as his ideal number two.

The centre-half told Sabotage Times: "If the opportunity comes along then I'll definitely have a look at it, but I've got a while left yet before I have to contemplate it."

As regards his ideal assistant boss, he added: "Gary Neville, he'd be perfect. He'd cross the Ts and dot the Is."

Ferdinand is delighted with female assistant ref Sian Massey in the Premier League.

England captain Rio Ferdinand is delighted to see female assistant ref Sian Massey in the Premier League.

Massey was excellent in Wolves' defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, getting a crucial offside call right in the build-up to Liverpool's opening goal.

Ferdinand said via Twitter: "What's wrong with a woman being an official in a football game?

"I'm cool with it. All that counts is do they get the decisions right."

Rio's first foul since April 2010

Rio Ferdinand may be a Red Devil - but he's a saint on the pitch.

 

The Manchester United ace is officially the cleanest Premier League defender.

His foul on West Brom's Jerome Thomas on Saturday was his first since ... last April.

Ferdinand said: "You try to nick the ball off people and stay clean.

"As soon as I caught Thomas, I was thinking 'Oh no - first foul'!"

West Brom missed the resulting penalty as United won 2-1.

Anton Ferdinand's present for brother Rio's kids.....Sunderland kits!

Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand got one over big brother Rio on Christmas Day.

The Sunday Mirror says Anton gave Manchester United defender Rio's sons full Sunderland kits!

Rio has brought up Lorenz, five, and Tate, two, to be United fans, but was shocked when he returned home to see them parading around in Black Cats’ strips.

The United defender tweeted: “Anton bought my little men Sunderland kits for Xmas – I thought we agreed they wouldn’t be worn! Fuming!”

Rio wants 4 more years at United

Rio Ferdinand wants a new contract to finish his career at Manchester United.

The England defender, 32, who has two years left on his current deal, said: "If the manager sees that I am fit enough, a four-year deal at that age would be great."

Ferdinand dismissed the idea his injury problems over the last two season will lead to his career being curtailed.

He added: "I've played 15 games this season already, one of the most in the squad, so this is a good run of games for me.

"If I have to sit out three or four games at this stage I'll be disappointed but I don't see that happening.

"I love playing football and going out there and training every day. I've not missed any days' training up until now, and I'm doing what I love and enjoy most."

Ferdinand looks at the longevity of Paul Scholes, 36, and Ryan Giggs, 37, as his inspiration to keep going at the very top.

He said: "People like Scholesy and Giggsy are shining lights of that. They've worked hard and you see the rewards they've got out of the game trophy-wise."

Ferdinand steals Park's Christmas gift by fans!

Manchester United teammates are raiding Park Ji-sung's locker for all the sweets South Korean fans have sent him for Christmas!

Rio Ferdinand knows a free bag of sweets when he spots them in the Manchester United dressing room.

Devoted fans have sent gifts to Ji-Sung Park.

Rio tweeted: “Thanks to the South Korean fans who sent us these for Xmas!

“The whole squad will enjoy them!”

Ferdinand fires back at boasting Arsenal whiz Jack Wilshere

Rio Ferdinand has taken a swipe at tweeting Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere.

The Gunners went top of the table after victory over Fulham.

And Wilshere tweeted: "Top of the league!!!".

But Ferdinand was soon to hit back, declaring: "Tweeps I only shout about being top a the league when its the last day of the season..that’s when u pick up the medal...tick tock!"

Congrats!! Ferdinand to be dad for third time

Rio Ferdinand is to be a dad for the third time.

The Manchester United defender's wife Rebecca Ellison is three months' pregnant.

A source said: "They are over the moon. Rio has always wanted a big family so is absolutely thrilled to add to their brood."

The couple have two boys - Lorenz, four, and Tate, two.

The pair are named after US star Larenz Tate - one of Rio's favourite actors - who played O-Dog in 1993 hit Menace II Society.

The defender, 31, has endured a frustrating 12 months in football, spending most of last season out of the side injured.

He was then devastated to be ruled out of the World Cup with ligament damage.

Spurs fail in their move for Ferdinand.

Harry Redknapp's audacious move for England captain Rio Ferdinand did not get past first base.

Discreet soundings were made recently over Ferdinand's availability, but Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told Tottenham he is not for sale.

Tottenham's medical department has even studied the nature of Ferdinand's injuries and were convinced they could get 100 games out of him over the next two seasons.

That convinced Redknapp that he was the signing Spurs needed, but United are not prepared to sell the defender at this time.

United are committed to paying Ferdinand £18m over the remaining three years of his contract and have made it clear he is not for sale.

Ferdinand to be a Shoe Designer once he retired?

So that's what Rio Ferdinand has been doing all summer.

The Manchester United player was forced to miss the World Cup in South Africa after getting injured during a training session with his England teammates.

But while they got utterly trounced throughout the tournament, at least Rio can say that he used his spare time productively.

The Manchester United player was in London today for the launch of his new shoe collection called Five by Rio Ferdinand.

The collection - cleverly named after his club shirt number - was for Strutt Couture, a favourite with celebrities and fashionistas alike.

This summer, he was back in the designers chair, having had a lot of time on his hands after getting injured, not long after he was handed the England captaincy.

He suffered a knee ligament injury during the team's first training session in South Africa on 4 June and was subsequently ruled out of the tournament.

Lucky then, that he had all that spare time to get creative - although surely a design to help support sports injuries wouldn't have gone amiss.

The Autumn/Winter collection incorporates twenty-four styles of footwear from classic to casual, boots and shoes, and even bags and wallets.

And with prices ranging from £60 to £160, they aren't just affordable to Premiership footballers, so fans can enjoy having a piece of Rio at their feet.

Rio said: 'I'm always looking for opportunities to expand my interests outside of football, and fashion is a passion of mine. I’m delighted to be involved and looking forward to building the brand for the long term.’