/ 21 July 2005

Ferdinand ‘will be playing for United’

Rio Ferdinand’s agent insists the England star will be staying at Manchester United.

Ferdinand and United are still locked in talks over a new contract, which has led to Red Devils fans booing the central defender during pre-season matches.

United manager Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill have both backed Ferdinand, insisting he has done nothing wrong.

Pini Zahavi has now confirmed that Ferdinand is not looking to quit the club, despite recent reports of interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid.

”Rio will be playing for United in this coming season — there is absolutely no doubt about that,” Zahavi told Sky Sports. ”He has said he wants to stay and I know for sure that United do not want to sell him.”

However, Zahavi confirmed that talks on the Ferdinand deal are yet to reopen with less than a month before the Premier League kicks off.

”There are no new negotiations going on at the moment, but there is no need to panic,” he added.

”When United come back to us we will talk again, although I don’t know when that will be.”

Ferdinand, who has two years left on his contract at Old Trafford, was reported to be holding out for £100 000 a week. — Sapa-AFP