United set to offer Rio improved deal

Manchester United look set to open informal contract talks with Rio Ferdinand amid renewed speculation of a big-money summer bid from Chelsea.

Ferdinand still has two-and-a-half years left on his current deal but United officials are keen to clear the path for an extension and are likely to contact the England defender’s advisors within the next few weeks to establish the basis for more formal discussions.

Any talks will be held with the backdrop of Chelsea’s reported interest and in the knowledge that the Stamford Bridge club are capable of out-muscling any financial offer United are prepared to make.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich has long been an admirer of the England star and is reported to be considering a deal to lure the Peckham-born player back to London.

United officials accept they cannot match the phenomenal wages on offer at Chelsea but will hope Ferdinand, who cost a British record £29.1m (€41.2m) from Leeds in 2002, will be persuaded to stay and lead United’s next generation on their pursuit of major honours.

It is also likely to be pointed out to the 25-year-old that United stuck by him during his nine-month ban for a missed drugs test this year.

Ferdinand returned to the Red Devils line-up in September and has since produced a series of polished performances, so it would be no surprise if Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wanted to link him with John Terry in an all-English central defensive pairing next season.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is also discussing a loan deal for Czech Republic midfielder Jiri Jarosik from CSKA Moscow.