Juventus in for Rio?

According to CalcioMercato, the Italian giants are intent of tempting the 33-year-old away from Old Trafford to add experience to their back lines.

The former England captain’s relationship with his current boss Sir Alex Ferguson has deteriorated I recent weeks, most notably his ‘embarrassing’ refusal to wear the anti-racism ‘Kick It Out’ campaign training top.

To compound the issues with his manager, the player is out of contract in the summer, adding further fuel to the fire of speculation that he could depart from Old Trafford before the end of the season.

Injuries suffered by Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have seen Ferdinand become United’s first-choice centre-back – more through default than design – and the injury list has hit the side hard in a season that has so far seen them hemorrhage goals in uncharacteristically poor defensive performances in the Premier League.

United have thus far conceded 11 goals in just 8 games played in the league, something which is unlikely to appear as a statement of real intent to win the title this year after losing out so agonizingly to their closest rivals Manchester City last term.

However, suggestions that Ferdinand would be a welcome addition to the Italian club might be somewhat unsubstantiated due to the fact they haven’t lost a Serie A match in 47 games and remain unrivalled majority of the time.

But the rumour mill has set it’s sights on this one and, whilst it might appear far-fetched, Sir Alex Ferguson will likely be concerned that Ferdinand is 33 and in the final year of his contract.

Coupled with the fact that he spent a club record fee of £34million pounds in 2002, making him the most expensive British footballer in history at the time.

Perhaps Ferguson will feel inclined to recoup at least a fraction of the clubs’ loss by shifting one of their highest paid players.

The problem, of course, will be replacing the defender – especially in light of the injuries to his defensive colleagues.