Real Madrid to bid for Man Utd's Ferdinand

Real Madrid intend to test Manchester United's resolve over defender Rio Ferdinand.
 
The Sun says the Spanish giants have turned their attention to the England star, 26, after being forced to scrap plans to land Steven Gerrard from Liverpool and United starlet Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real need to land a new centre-half as Walter Samuel prepares to be shifted back to Italy and Inter Milan for the coming season on-loan.

Ferdinand is still to sign a new contract, though United chief David Gill said last weekend he expected the papers to be inked inside the next fortnight.