CLOSE THE DOOR ON YOUR WAY OUT

From Sky:

Speculation has started in Spain suggesting that Real Madrid are closely monitoring Rio Ferdinand's contract negotiations at Manchester United.

Perhaps inevitably, the capital club have emerged as possible suitors for the England centre back, even though Ferdinand has consistently maintained that he will sign a fresh deal at Old Trafford.

The delay in penning the contract offered to Ferdinand has led to unrest from a large section of supporters, who have even jeered the 26-year-old defender as United's Premiership season draws to a disappointing close.

Spanish newspaper Sport claims negotiations were initiated between representatives from both clubs on Tuesday, although this would seem unlikely given United's stance that they expect Ferdinand to sign the contract he has been offered, even before the FA Cup final with Arsenal.

Nevertheless, the whispers from Madrid will cause some consternation at Old Trafford unless Ferdinand, who has put the delay in signing down to his agent Pini Zahavi being out of the country, does finally end all of the speculation by putting pen-to-paper.

Chelsea have strongly denied they want to sign the ex-West Ham star following revelations that chief executive Peter Kenyon met with the player at a London restaurant.

Zahavi, for his part, stated recently that his client has a long-standing ambition to play abroad.

"If he doesn't sign a new deal he will leave in two years to play abroad, which has always been one of his ambitions," Zahavi affirmed. "But I think he will stay, providing the conditions are right.”