Sky Sports News exclusive

Leeds boss David O'Leary has told Sky Sports News that the last club he would sell defender Rio Ferdinand to is Manchester United.

O'Leary insisted England's World Cup star remains an integral part of his plans despite reports that he could be leaving Elland Road in a £30m deal.

"I bought Rio Ferdinand for £18m when people said it was a lot of money and I want to keep him. I particularly don't want to sell him to Manchester United," O'Leary said.

"They are a great club and we are trying to build a team here, not make them even greater by selling them probably one of the best defenders in the world.

"I'm trying to build a team for the fans and put a squad together for the future of this football club and like any hopefully good manager, you don't want to lose your good players because that makes your job even harder."

Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards has already publicly stated that the player is one they would be interested in landing.

"There's no secret that Rio Ferdinand is a great player and would certainly improve our squad," Edwards said. But the player himself has intimated he wishes to stay at the club.

"I am absolutely delighted he has said he wants to stay. I don't want him to go. He is a tremendous player and one of my best players and I want to keep him," O'Leary told Sky Sports.
"The fans love him, I love him."

However, the Leeds boss is aware that the ultimate decision may be taken out of his hands as money talks - especially when there are club directors with books to balance.

"At the end of the day I work for a plc. I have been supported with a lot of money but the money I have spent has gone in good areas," O'Leary added.