Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could be forced to leave Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to the side's young guns to take over, according to the Daily Star.

The 32-year-old has been left out of the Red Devils squad on a few occasions this season as Ferguson aims to integrate Chris Smalling and Phil Jones into the back line.

While the England international has two years until his current contract runs out, there are reportedly no plans to hammer out a fresh deal for the centre-back.

It is believed that the 69-year-old manager is concerned about Ferdinand's long-term fitness and may consider cashing in on the player.

Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be willing to take on the former England captain, who joined the Red Devils from Leeds United almost a decade ago.