Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire have denied this morning's reports that suggested they were preparing to make an offer for Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.
The 32-year-old centre-back has entered the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, leading some to question his long-term future with the Premier League champions.
However, the Fire have revealed that Ferdinand is not currently a player they are pursuing.
"We have watched and admired the play of Rio Ferdinand for a number of years," read a club statement. "However, there is no substance to these current reports that the Fire is negotiating with Manchester United and the player to bring him to Chicago."
A representative for the player also rebuffed the transfer talk earlier today.
