Ferdinand arrives for crunch talks

Rio Ferdinand zoomed into Leeds’ training ground this morning to begin the day that could finally settle his future.

The England defender, who has told Leeds he wants to join Manchester United, arrived at the club’s Thorp Arch training facility at 9.44am.

He turned into the ground in his dark blue Ferrari and accelerated up the drive past the small collection of autograph hunters and two security guards by the entrance.

Today could be Ferdinand’s first and last day of pre-season training with Leeds, because this afternoon he was due to hold showdown talks with chairman Peter Ridsdale, who was flying back from his holiday for the crunch meeting at Thorp Arch.

Although Ridsdale claimed Ferdinand would not be allowed to leave when he rejected his transfer request yesterday, he has shifted his position, admitting that Leeds might sell if the price is right.