Rio Ferdinand asked to take pay cut

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has reportedly been asked to take a £50,000-per-week wage cut after opening talks over a new deal.

The 33-year-old's current terms expire in 2013, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson is thought to be keen on offering the England international a one-year rolling deal.

However, the club wants to significantly slash the centre-back's £120,000-per-week wages, according to Goal.com.

Ferdinand moved to Old Trafford from Leeds United in 2002 for around £30m.