Ferdinand would realise record fee, says Thomas

ROMAN ABRAMOVICH would need to smash the world record transfer fee to lure Rio Ferdinand to Stamford Bridge.

That is the view of former Manchester United and Chelsea star Mickey Thomas, who also thinks Ferdinand would move south for one reason only - money.

Fresh speculation linking Ferdinand with a move to Jose Mourinho’s outfit has erupted, just as Manchester United are about to open informal discussions with Ferdinand’s advisors over the possibility of extending his current contract, which still has two-and-a-half years to run.