Ferdinand’s last-gasp response

RIO FERDINAND yesterday formally notified the FA that he intends to contest a misconduct charge brought against him for his failure to attend a drugs test.

The Manchester United defender waited until the very last minutes of his 14-day deadline to respond to the charge, which is for failure/refusal to take an anti-doping test on September 23.

Ferdinand will be represented by a team from United’s experienced lawyers James Chapman for the disciplinary hearing, which is unlikely to take place until mid-December meaning he should be available for the club’s two remaining Champions League group matches.

An FA spokesman said: “Rio Ferdinand has responded to the charge issued on October 29. He has denied the charge and requested a personal hearing. A date for the hearing will be scheduled in due course.

Meanwhile, United are close to signing teenage Chinese striker Dong Fanzhou according to Alex Ferguson.

The 18-year-old is playing for Dalian Shide in his native country and Ferguson confirmed yesterday : “We’re signing a Chinese boy, hopefully in the next few weeks.”

Dong had a trial at Old Trafford in September and his club manager Lin Lefeng added: “What United have offered is not meant to be disclosed, but I can assure you that it is more than a million pounds we are talking about here.”