Agent - Rio would be 'happy' at Utd

Rio Ferdinand would be ‘‘very happy’’ to join Manchester United because he wants to play for a ‘‘bigger and better club’’ than Leeds.

The England defender handed in a transfer request earlier today amid speculation Manchester United have tabled a bid, only for Leeds to turn it down.

Now his agent Pinhas Zahavi revealed the decision to submit the request had been prompted by a desire to play at the pinnacle of European football, although he revealed Ferdinand will not drag his heels if Leeds refuse to compromise.

Zahavi told BBC Sport Online: ‘‘If they say no, then he will stay. He is a loyal soldier. But he would be very happy to join Manchester United.

‘‘He wants to play in a bigger and better club. He wants to play in the Champions League.

‘‘Going to the World Cup has given him the appetite to participate in a very high level of football. He wants to be competing for titles and medals.

‘‘But I must reiterate that he is very happy at Leeds. He is not unhappy and he feels at home. If Leeds say he cannot go then he will honour the contract.’’