Real Madrid consider raid for Man Utd defender Rio

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is ready to raid Manchester Unietd again to land his next galactico.

Sunday press speculation suggests Perez has had intermediaries make contact with Ferdinand's representatives to sound him out about a summer switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ferdinand could be back playing for United before the end of the season if his appeal against a drugs ban is successful.

David Beckham and Real coach Carlos Queiroz have recommended Ferdinand to Perez and right-hand man Jorge Valdano and the possibility of a shock end-of-season move to Spain is currently being explored.