Stam dismisses claims he's set to replace Ferdinand at Leeds

JAAP STAM has dismissed claims that he is to return to the Premiership as Rio Ferdinand's replacement at Elland Road.

The former Manchester United centre back admitted that the Yorkshire club had expressed an interest in signing him but he yesterday vowed to remain in Serie A.

“I am aware of Leeds’ interest. My agent told me last week that they had made enquiries but I told him to tell them that the answer is the same, that I have no interest in leaving Lazio. It is very flattering that a club like Leeds have expressed their interest but, not for the first time this summer, I can only reiterate my desire to stay in Italy,” the Dutchman told icons.com.

He also dismissed suggestions that he is considering a move away for the Italian capital: “There have also been recent reports in Italy linking me with both Milan clubs and although I want to remain in Rome, I would concede that a transfer to another Italian club is more of a possibility than returning to play in England. I want at least another couple of seasons in Serie A before I consider my next move.”

Stam is adamant that the move by the England defender to Old Trafford will have positive implications for all parties concerned.

“I wasn’t at all surprised, though, when I heard my old club had signed Ferdinand. I saw him playing during the World Cup and it was obvious to me that he has raised his game to another level and that it was only a matter of time before an even bigger club than Leeds came in for him. I think the move will prove to be an excellent one for both the player and the club.

“Ferdinand is already a quality player, but I’ve no doubt moving to Old Trafford will improve him further. In many ways, United have done the same with Ferdinand as they did when they brought me from PSV - buying an international player not yet at their peak with an eye on the future. I was 26 when I signed, Ferdinand is 23 and I'm sure he will prove a big asset for many seasons. I definitely improved as a player at Old Trafford. It's almost impossible to play at that level, at a club with United's history and weight of expectation, and not raise your game even further. Ferdinand had a good World Cup for England, but I doubt whether we have yet seen the best of him.”

However he expressed concern that the former Elland Road skipper may find it difficult to acclimatise to life at one of the world's biggest clubs.

“My only concern would be that he is given time to settle in at Old Trafford. It is hard initially to adjust when you sign for United and it does take some time to learn to cope with the pressure that being an United player brings.”