Chicago Fire confirm interest in Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand

Chicago Fire have confirmed that they want to sign Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

The centre-back will be 33 in November and will be out of a contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season. Injuries and the emergence of young defensive stars Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have put his future with the Red Devils in doubt, leading to speculation that the England international could move across the Atlantic.

"The Fire are interested in Ferdinand," a source within the organisation told Goal.com.

"We have watched and admired the play of Rio Ferdinand for a number of years, and we would be thrilled to have a player of his quality join the Chicago Fire Soccer Club."

On Wednesday, The Daily Mail claimed that American club were "desperate for a high-profile English player" and had "identified Ferdinand as their main target".

Though the source did confirm the MLS side's interest, he added: "There is no substance to these current reports that the Fire is negotiating with Manchester United and the player to bring him to Chicago."

The Fire are currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, and sit six points behind New York and Houston for the final MLS play-off berth, with a game in hand.