Man Utd field Chelsea, Real Madrid offers for Rio

Manchester United have fielded offers from Chelsea and Real Madrid for defender Rio Ferdinand.

The Guardian says under specific instructions from Sir Alex Ferguson, and with the full backing of his board, United have also rejected the first overtures from some of Europe's leading clubs for the England defender, including Chelsea and Real.

Chelsea have made it clear to Ferdinand's adviser Pini Zahavi that they have the money and desire to tempt him back to the capital.

But Zahavi has since reported back to Stamford Bridge that Ferguson will not be budged.