Eh, let him go. Buy Lahm and and double Vidic's pay. Nemanja's the real force in that back line.

NB, NC, USA

Rio IS the best defender in the world, the way he nicked the ball off Owen's foot a split second before he slotted it away (with the game 0-0) was a tackle only he could pull off. He loves the club and is entitled to get the best deal he can. I really don't care how much we pay players it isn't my money! The last two seasons he has been proving his full potential which he had showed flashes of throughout his career, I can't remember last time he switch off and cost us a goal which is what always used to let him down. He has been chipping in with some class goals too. Give him the cash and put ticket prices up! the 67000 Very lucky fans who watch the greatest team play should pay for it!

Jez, Preston,

People are slowly forgetting what an immense season, Mr Casual is having. He has clearly being the most in-form central defender in Europe, however I agree he can be replaced. Particularly, we have Evans and Pique amongst the finest talent around also rumoured to be purchasing Philip Lahm which would consolidate our defence to be one of the best in the world.

Ben Stone, York, United Kingdom

Can't see this guy making it in any league where he can't speak English.

Pat, Voorhees, NJ/USA, USA

He may have one good season left , he may have four but if he wants to argue the toss lets not give £24 m for the next four seasons , get rid while we can still get some money for him there are plenty of tall people playing football who can run and hoof a ball , as well as working out where the ball may land .

Nick Dixon, Sutton Coldfield, England

Good riddance.

Ferdinannd is a legend only in his own enlarged head. Sell him now and get someone who wants to play for the badge NOT the money.

jono, canaries, spain

my what a short memory this fool has united stood by him when he missed a drugs test after drugs test now he is starting the process of holding the club to ransom for more money he does not deserve on his displays loyality it seems only goes one way

seamus, dublin, ireland

If he wants to leave them let him go, sell him in the summer and we can easily replace him. One thing is for sure he will not be sold to Chelsea or any other English club for that matter - as if Sir Alex would let happen - just look at the Henize saga!

nicola, Manchester, UK

Sell the ungrateful wretch !He's not that good and has an overinflated opinion of himself .
Buy someone younger and faster and hungrier .

C.Elder, Paris, France

Rio Ferdinand is not even the best defender at Manchester United, yet alone in Europe. He only looks like a good defender because outside the top four, the Premier League is bereft of world class strikers and attackers.

After the way he treated the club and our fans in the wake of his 'drugs ban' and the contract talks that followed shortly afterwards, Ferdinand should show some humilty and sign whatever the club puts in front of him. If not, let him go to Italy or Spain and replace him. We replaced Jaap Stam, Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, all infinately better than Ferdinand.

Chris Leonard, Manchester, England

It is about time to part with Mr Casual.His reguard for himself is beyond price and if he does negotiate a new contract for his last years at United then his performance will not match the price they pay.
Flog him now.

robert everitt, wolverhampton,

As a long term supporter of Man U I have never understood why Ferdinand is so highly rated. He drifts off to sleep in matches, makes terrible errors, and now seems to want to hold the club the ransom. Set up a sale deal for the end of the season for as much money as possible, and look for a younger, more committed and eager replacement.

alanh, benalmadena, spain

They don't need to sign a new young player, they just need to get Gerard Piqué some more experience. he has the potential to step right in if Rio leaves

Mary, Dromara, NI

Rio, he's not bad, but he's not the best defender in his family these days. C'mon anton mate!!!! c'mon you Irons!

Blocky, chelmsford,

While undoubtedly Ferdinand is a fine player, he is not the best around and there will be others, both from the club and elsewhere, just as good if not better than he. All the more in comparison to the salary that he would be seeking. If Man United believe that he will not sign an extension to his existing contract they should just sell him off in the summer to recover whatever of the transfer fee paid and re-invest it in a young player.

panthradil, singapore, singapore

While undoubtedly Ferdinand is a fine player, he is not the best around and there will be others, both from the club and elsewhere, just as good if not better than he. All the more in comparison to the salary that he would be seeking. If Man United believe that he will not sign an extension to his existing contract they should just sell him off in the summer to recover whatever of the transfer fee paid and re-invest it in a young player.

panthradil, singapore, singapore

Ferdinand is undoubtedly a very good player but hearing that he may look to leave in the next year or so doesn't sadden me at all. Ferdinand embodies too many of the negative aspects of todays millionaire footballers for me to ever hold him in the same regard as players like Neville, Scholes, Giggs and all of the other players who stay away from publicity and 'bling' culture.

John, Oxford,