Rio mulling over future
Video: Redknapp on Rio

Sky Sports News EXCLUSIVE

Rio Ferdinand's former mentor Harry Redknapp believes the England defender will join Manchester United - even though Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale insists he is not for sale.

Ferdinand promised new boss Terry Venables a decision on his future within 48 hours after crisis talks at the weekend - and newspapers are unanimous in their verdict that the £35million-rated centre-half is on his way to Old Trafford.

And Redknapp agrees that the lure of playing for the country's biggest club will prove just too appealing for the player he nurtured during his time as West Ham boss.

Redknapp told Sky Sports News: "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."

However, Elland Road chief Ridsdale claims the club have no intention of letting Ferdinand go and would reject any request for a transfer.

"As far as I am concerned Rio Ferdinand is going nowhere and I find all this talk about him leaving quite amusing considering that we haven't had a bid for him," he said.

"I have no reason to doubt that Rio wants to stay at Leeds United. He has not indicated that he wants to leave and, while it is purely hypothetical, if he were to hand in a transfer request it would be firmly rejected by the board."

Ferdinand still has four years left on the contract he signed when Leeds made him the world's most expensive defender by splashing out £18m in November 2000.