Redknapp: Rio will definitely go

Harry Redknapp, the manager who helped build Rio Ferdinand's career, believes the England defender will leave Leeds for Manchester United.

Former West Ham boss Redknapp met Ferdinand in London yesterday and said: "We had a cup of tea and had a chat. It is a dilemma, but it's not a bad situation to be in - you're choosing between two of the best teams in the country. I think most players would love to be in that position.

"I get a feeling that he may just sway towards Man United. Terry Venables coming in as Leeds manager has made it very difficult for him because Rio has got a lot of respect for Terry.

"But I think he may lean towards Man United. It is the club and I think if he wants to further his career and play on the biggest stage, I think that's the place to play.

"He's such a fantastic young fella, he really is. He hasn't changed one little bit since he first came into my office as a 14-year-old. Rio is a young, ambitious player and you've got a better chance of fulfilling those ambitions at Old Trafford than you have at Elland Road, because they haven't picked up any trophies at Elland Road for quite some time."

Ferdinand, who was at a tournament in Hackney Marshes this weekend before spending time talking over his future at the family home in Peckham with his mum Janice and dad Julian, is poised to ask Leeds for a transfer in the next 24 hours and that will bring a bid of up to £30million from Manchester United to buy England's World Cup star.