Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to want United's board, already distracted by the Malcolm Glazer takeover, to make a stand despite repeated claims from Kenyon and Chelsea that they do not want to sign Ferdinand.
Pini Zahavi, the player's agent, today said Ferdinand wanted to be paid what he was worth as negotiations between the two sides over a new deal appeared to hit a stumbling block.
He said: "Rio loves it in Manchester and wants to stay, but it depends on United not on him whether that happens.
"He is ready to go a long way to make sure it does but everybody has to give a little. It's called negotiation.
"Rio is the best central defender in the world and will be much better in the coming years. He is improving every day and when I say he's the best it is not just me saying it but the view of all the top coaches.
"Rio deserves to earn if not more than the other top central defenders in the world at least the same.
"Rio cannot see himself playing for another club and I can assure everyone that Chelsea is not on the agenda. They have two fantastic central defenders."
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