"How can I respond to anything when, as far as I am concerned, Rio is a contracted player with Leeds United? The only thing I can confirm is that if Rio Ferdinand hands in a transfer request, it will be turned down.
"We've had no offers for Rio Ferdinand so it amazes me he has a choice to make. He is going nowhere. Where does he think he is going - into thin air?”
Rio’s ex-boss Harry Redknapp feels differently however:
"Terry Venables coming in 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.
"I met Rio yesterday and we had a cup of tea and had a chat. 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.
"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."
Gordon Taylor weighed in:
"Someone in the position of Rio Ferdinand cannot just walk out as players up to the age of 28 have a three-year protected period on their contracts.
“If he did so, sporting sanctions would apply not only to him but also to the club that signed him. That club could be fined, have points deducted or even be excluded from competitions. It is very unlikely anyone would risk that.”
Paul Parker said:
"It's a big decision. He went to Leeds and now he's realised Leeds aren't as big as Manchester United. I think he knows that himself. Now he's got an opportunity to join Manchester United and Leeds are in a position where they have to sell.
"Manchester United would be getting a lot of player for their money and they would be getting a relatively young player. He's a good player now and he would only get better and better at Manchester United."
John Giles in the Mail:
“Leeds United have only themselves to blame for Rio Ferdinand's almost certain departure and it will lead to the situation Elland Road fans fear most - another decade of success for their bitter rivals at Old Trafford.
“I do not subscribe to the theory that it was inevitable the defender would leave the club. There has been confusion all the way along the line. The Leeds hierarchy have failed to convey either a united front or a consistent message.
“David O'Leary appears to have been sacked over it. And now Ferdinand will risk running a hostile gauntlet of abuse when he makes the move to Old Trafford.”