Rio will stay with Leeds: Ridsdale
Redknapp: Rio will be a red
Rio mulling over future
Video: Redknapp on Rio

Peter Ridsdale has blasted the continued speculation surrounding Manchester United's interest in Rio Ferdinand, saying he will reject any transfer request from the Leeds captain.

And Ridsdale accused 'someone' - Manchester United or Ferguson - of conducting the protracted negotiations through the media, which he called "disturbing".

The Leeds chairman has also reiterated that he has not received any offers for England defender Ferdinand.

The England defender is yet to formally announce any decision over his future, although reports this morning claim United have already tabled one bid.

However, Ridsdale has again insisted that any transfer request from Ferdinand will be rejected by the Leeds board as they have no intention of selling their prized asset, particularly to Manchester United.

But despite his repeated statements, speculation that Ferdinand has decided to leave Elland Road continued and Ridsdale's patience is wearing thin.

The Leeds chairman said: "Someone, somewhere seems to be conducting this whole business through the media and I find that very disturbing.

"How can I respond to anything when, as far as I am concerned, Rio is a contracted player with Leeds United? The only thing I can confirm is that if Rio Ferdinand hands in a transfer request it will be turned down.

"We've had no offers for Rio Ferdinand so it amazes me he has a choice to make. He is going nowhere. Where does he think he is going - into thin air?"