Manchester United cannot seem to escape the transfer rumor mill, even though it has been closed, with Rio Ferdinand linked with a move away to Spain.
There is no surprise with these rumors because Ferdinand is one of the highest-rated defenders in the world, and Real Madrid is in desperate need of a central defender.
In the summer of 2002, the England center back cost United a mere £28 million from arch nemesis Leeds United, but he has been one of the most consistent defenders in Europe since.
It has not always been a golden time at Old Trafford for Ferdinand, and he did not fair well in his first few United games. He struggled with form and fitness and was exposed a few times during the first season.
In 2003, he did not show up for a drugs test and was banned by the FA disciplinary committee for eight months and fined £50,000.
Forward
Ferdinand's style of play would be ideal for Spain, because he is confident on the ball, and he is never afraid to take on a player either.
Rio was a forward in his younger days, but was converted into a center back in his West Ham days by Harry Redknapp, so he has a knack for going forward.
He has only scored seven goals for the Reds, but on occasion he has shown his skills on, and has had some sublime finishes. His goal against Liverpool has to be the pick of the bunch though, when he placed.
After
Rio is not only a big personality on the field, but off of it as well. He has been involved with television, film and music and looks to have a career with entertainment once his football career comes to an end.
On top of his music, film and television success, he has recently launched #5 Magazine, which is a digital magazine.
Moving outside of England would allow him to gain more exposure and popularity for his personal career, but it would be a huge loss for Manchester United to lose a personality like Rio.
