By David Hobbs
July 7 2005

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid in particular are planning to exploit Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer's financial problems and make the Red Devils an offer for Rio Ferdinand United cannot refuse, according to reports.

Both La Liga outfits have expressed interested in the England international defender and Real could be favourites due to their English players currently at the club - David Beckham, Michael Owen and Jonathan Woodgate.

Malcolm Glazer, who has taken over Manchester United, is in serious debt having bought the club and has been rumoured to think about selling prized assits.

The prospect of partnering former Newcastle United defender Woodgate in the centre of the Galactico's defence will also tempt the 26-year-old.

A further indication of the defender's exit is his reluctance to sign a new contract. A new deal has been on the table since the backend of last season and fans are growing restless.

Real Madrid's director of football Arrigo Sacchi recently said: "Ferdinand is a great player admired by all in football but I don't want to say any more."  

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]