Rio a target

Wednesday, 05/10/2011

Rio Ferdinand could follow his former Manchester United team-mate David Beckham and play in America.

The central defender, no longer a cast-iron first choice for either club or England, is said to be wanted by Chicago Fire.

Ferdinand, 32, has been hit by a number of injuries over the past two seasons and is out of contract at the end of next season.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson might let the defender go on the cheap as a gesture for his work over the years at Old Trafford – and knowing that a move to the MLS could lengthen Ferdinand's playing career.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are now available to Fergie to play alongside captain Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the United defence. Moving on Ferdinand would also allow the manager to bring in even more young players with promise as he builds for the future.

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