Rio Ferdinand puts Manchester United contract talks on hold

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has put contract talks on hold until the summer, according to reports.

Ferdinand, who has struggled with injuries for well over a season, has been told that he is no longer first choice at Old Trafford following the emergence of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

The former United captain has said in the past that he would like to finish his career at the club. However, with just 18 months remaining on his current contract and fewer starts to speak of, Ferdinand is understood to be reevaluating his situation before he decides whether to pen a new deal at the club next summer.