There have been mixed reports over the past few days regarding the future of defender Rio Ferdinand, who is supposedly set to leave Old Trafford if the Red Devils don't offer him a staggering £150,000 per-week.

Chelsea Chief Executive Peter Kenyon, formerly of Manchester United, was pictured meeting the England international for a second time within a few days after they met together in a London restaurant last week.

However, both the player and manager Sir Alex Ferguson claim that no Chelsea deal has been struck and is close to penning a new contract at United.

Ferguson stated: "We are not far away [from agreeing terms] We have had a good discussion and are getting closer all the time"

"It is the same with all negotiations nowadays, it is not easy. It involves many discussions and you get nearer and nearer. But when the day comes, and I think it is near, we will be delighted. It is important we keep all our players here" he added.

Chelsea released a statement saying the meeting was coincidental and do not require the services of Ferdinand. It read: "We have made it absolutely clear to Manchester United, on more than one occasion now, that we have no interest in signing Rio Ferdinand and, regardless of where this encounter took place, there is absolutely no significance in Peter Kenyon seeing Rio"

"As already stated, their meeting was purely by chance in a very public place"