Ridsale says Rio won't be Red Devil

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has rubbished reports linking Rio Ferdinand with Manchester United.

The Old Trafford side had supposedly offered £25m (€39m) for the Leeds skipper. But Ridsdale says Ferdinand is the most important member of David O'Leary's squad.

The chairman told Leeds' website: "This just shows that the silly season is upon us again. It's a total load of rubbish.

"There has been no contact whatsoever between Manchester United and ourselves regards Rio Ferdinand."