Ferdinand: Good investment

BBC Sport's Alan Hansen - an expert when it comes to defenders - asks whether Leeds are right to pay £18m for West Ham's Rio Ferdinand.

The money involved in the Ferdinand deal is a huge amount of cash, there's no doubt about it.

The success of the proposed investment depends on whether transfer fees are scrapped.

If the system is finished then it will turn out to be a lot of money if they sign him.

With Leeds currently struggling with injuries they have obviously decided his quality is a risk worth taking on - he will be a tremendous asset.

Leeds have had a good start in Europe - if they continue their run then this investment will be worthwhile

  Alan Hansen

The problem is that many teams cannot wait five or six years for success.

Success is demanded instantly and Leeds cannot afford to have their chances of success dented because of a weakened squad.

Improvements

If the question is whether Rio will improve Leeds' chances in both the Champions League and the Premiership, then the answer is most definitely yes.

I would currently prefer Tony Adams at the heart of the England defence, but Rio's only 22-years-old and can only get better.

Jaap Stam is another player who is, at the moment, a superior player.

But Ferdinand has the potential to progress and be the very best.

He's done very well at international level and his nine caps for England speak for themselves.

He also impressed against the Italians in the friendly last week.

You have to speculate to accumulate and the revenue generated in the Champions League is enormous these days.

Leeds have had a good start in Europe.

If they continue their good run, with Ferdinand performing at the level he is capable, then this investment will be worthwhile.