Rio Ferdinand To Decide On Future 'In The Coming Days'

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says he will look to make a decision on his future in the next few days.

The 35-year-old, who was told by United after the Southampton game that he would not be getting a new contract after nearly 12 years at Old Trafford, has been linked with a number of clubs around the world.

A collection of Major League Soccer sides including LA Galaxy are believed to be interested in signing the former West Ham and Leeds centre-back, as well as Turkish sides Besiktas and Galatasaray.

But Ferdinand could still remain in the Premier League and was linked with a shock switch to Arsenal last month.

Ferdinand said: "In the coming days I will start to think about my next step and make a decision on what will happen.

"I haven't had much time to do that yet since the season ended. I've been able to get away from the hype and enjoy my time."

Ferdinand will leave United having made 312 appearances. He won six Premier League trophies, one Champions League and three League Cups under previous manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

United are expected to announce Louis van Gaal as David Moyes' successor on Monday and Ferdinand believes the Dutch coach will be ideally suited to the job.

"He seems very strong and direct, has a good understanding and knowledge of what he wants to do and doesn't deviate. You need to be like that at a club like Man United," the former England international said.

"At every club he's been at - Ajax, Bayern Munich, Barcelona - he seems to have gone in and done things his own way and I envisage him doing same thing if he comes in to United like it's anticipated."