Leeds reject second Ferdinand bid

Leeds and Manchester United were tonight locked in negotiations over Rio Ferdinand's future after the Elland Road club rejected a second bid for the England defender.

Manchester United contacted Leeds today with an improved offer for Ferdinand, following their original £20million bid which was rejected out of hand.

The second offer is believed to have been around £29million, but Leeds rejected that bid for their 23-year-old captain too, even though it would have been a British transfer record.

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale said: "I have had one conversation with them [Manchester United] today, but it did not move the situation on any further.

"We have still to receive a bid of a level that we would find acceptable."

It is understood Manchester United were tonight preparing an even higher bid, mindful of the fact that unless they agree a fee Ferdinand will fly out on Leeds' pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia.

Ferdinand, who signed for Leeds from West Ham for £18million in November 2000 - a record between British clubs - will be looking to double his £35,000-a-week wages if, as now seems certain, he moves down the M62 to Manchester.

His decision to move will be a major disappointment to new Leeds boss Terry Venables, who was hoping to build his team around England's best defender.