Ferdinand feels strain of contract talks

Rio Ferdinand insists his “head is on the chopping board” as he comes under increased pressure to sign a new contract with Manchester United.

The England defender claims negotiations are still ongoing between the club and his agent Pini Zahavi, although manager Sir Alex Ferguson has previously expressed his frustration at how long it is taking to reach an agreement.

Asked why he had not yet signed the contract, Ferdinand told Granada television tonight: “Negotiations. Some people take two years; some people take 18 months; some people take a year.

“Mine has been going now a month. It’s just negotiations and fingers crossed we can keep negotiating and then we will get an agreement.

“I’m not saying it will take two years. What I’m saying is that people take 18 months to sign a contract. I’ve been given a month and my head is on the chopping board.

“It takes time and two people have got to come to a final agreement.”

The 26-year-old believes Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of the club has also caused a delay in his contract talks, adding: “That has slowed things down a bit because that is more important than me.

“That’s the club and we have to get that sorted out as well.”

Ferguson expressed his desire to have the matter dealt with quickly as far back as April 19.

“The best thing Rio can do is sign his contract and put the matter to bed,” said Ferguson at the time.

“He says he wants to sign for the club and he has an opportunity to do just that.

“We have offered him a good deal and hopefully something can be done in the next few days.”