Tel will stop Rio going to United - Graham

George Graham believes Leeds have pulled off a masterstroke in their bid to keep Rio Ferdinand by appointing Terry Venables boss.

Central defender Ferdinand is a £35m (€54m) target for Manchester United, and has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since before the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, where he was England’s best player.

However, former Leeds boss Graham feels Leeds have a better chance of holding onto their prize asset now Venables has agreed a two-year deal to replace David O’Leary as manager.

‘‘Terry’s arrival as manager is a massive plus for Leeds in their bid to hang on to Rio,’’ Graham told The Sun.

‘‘Terry’s arrival, in that respect, could not have been better timed.

‘‘It will help their cause. There is no question it is a massive plus in their fight to stop Rio going to United.

‘‘Terry has a terrific personality and he will leave Rio in no doubt about how he sees his future.’’