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Ferdinand playing with Fire soon?

Comment: 0 October 5th, 2011 by: admin

IF the LA Galaxy have David Beckham, the Chicago Fire may soon have Rio Ferdinand.

That is because the Fire want to make the tough defender, recently omitted from the England national team, the new Beckham of the US Major League Soccer.

In their bid to land a high-profile English player to enable them to compete with the Galaxy, the Fire are targeting Ferdinand to join them in the future.

Ferdinand, who is turning 33 next month, has an expiring contract with Manchester United at the end of the season. This is his 10^th season at Old Trafford.

The Fire are confident they can lure the defence specialist to their fold by next summer if ever he decides to say goodbye to the Premier League and end his career in the MLS.

Because of lower US tax rates, Ferdinand could command a pay similar to the 120,000-pound-a-week he earns at United.

A former favourite at Leeds and West Ham, Ferdinand has been beset by injuries (back troubles and related strains) for the last three years. Two days back, he was scratched by coach Fabio Capello from the Three Lions’ roster set to face Montenegro for their final Euro 2012 qualifier this Friday in Podgorica.

Ferdinand is reportedly aware of the American side’s interest but no clear talks have been made as of yet.

Should he leave United after the 2011-2012 season, Ferdinand have other options since the Tottenham Hotspur are said to be eyeing him too. Spurs coach Harry Redknapp has earlier showed intention of acquiring him.

Ferdinand, one of the most graceful defenders of his age, made only 56 appearances for United since August 2009 because of injuries. He has played only 13 of the last 35 England internationals.

The Fire are currently in 7^{th spot} out of 9 squads in the MLS Eastern Conference.

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