Deadlock over Ferdinand contract

Ferdinand's career statistics

Rio Ferdinand's agent has admitted the England defender's contract talks with Manchester United are deadlocked.

The 26-year-old had been discussing a new deal at Old Trafford before the end of last season, but United were frustrated as discussions stalled.

Agent Pini Zahavi told The Independent: "No-one is having talks.

"There is no need to speak. He has two years. There was at some stage an idea for a new contract but we could not reach an agreement."

I am sure at the end of the day he will stay Ferdinand's Agent Pini Zahavi

United are still hopeful Ferdinand will stay, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson warned before the FA Cup final that he wanted the deal sorted out.

But there has been no sign that the two sides are close to an agreement.

Zahavi, however, added: "But he is loyal to Manchester United and I am sure at the end of the day he will stay."

Have Your Say "This guy is messing us about"

United's fans were angry at the delay, jeering Ferdinand in the victory at Charlton, particularly after United stood by him during his eight-month ban for a missed drugs test.

However, United chief executive David Gill has already rejected the allegations of disloyalty levelled against the former Leeds captain and insisted he should only sign "when the time is right".

"We want him to stay, he wants to stay and in my experience, when that situation prevails, invariably the player stays," said Gill.