Leeds target Stam as Ferdinand replacement

Leeds United have shown interest in signing Lazio defender Jaap Stam as a possible replacement for the England centre-half Rio…

Leeds United have shown interest in signing Lazio defender Jaap Stam as a possible replacement for the England centre-half Rio Ferdinand, it was reported in today's Daily Mail.

It has been suggested Leeds manager David O’Leary is prepared to spend in the region of £10 million to secure the former Manchester United stalwart.

Manchester City and Newcastle tried to bring the Dutch international back to England last season but Stam was keen to stay in Italy.

Ferdinand has a price tag in the region of £30 million with both Manchester United and Juventus expressing interest in the player.

Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon admitted he has held talks with Leeds about signing Ferdinand but said further talks were put on hold until the end of the World Cup.

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