Tottenham Favourites to Land Out of Contract Manchester United Defender Rio Ferdinand

Tottenham are preparing a move for out of contract Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, according to the Mirror.

Spurs are reportedly favourites for his signature and will be looking at Ferdinand to add some much needed push to their backline.

The defender was not handed a new contract at Old Trafford thereby forcing him to make a move out of the club, where he won six league titles and was an important part of their defence alongside Nemanja Vidic.

The defender is also being chased by Queens Park Rangers, Galatasaray and in the MLS but Ferdinand has made the White Hart Lane his first choice for a move as he will have the option to compete in the Europa League.

Tottenham are preparing for some wholesale changes in the summer with new manager Mauricio Pochettino taking over from Tim Sherwood.

The former Southampton man has won many admirers for his free flowing brand of football and will be looking to propel Spurs to Champions League qualification, which they last managed in 2010/11 under Harry Redknapp.

Daniel Levy expressed his satisfaction at having procured his services and wants the manager to bring the best out of his players. Pochettino acquiesced by disclosing his desire to get started as soon as possible.

"This is a Club with tremendous history and prestige and I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to be its Head Coach," Pochettino told TottenhamHotspur.com

"There is an abundance of top-class talent at the Club and I am looking forward to starting work with the squad.

"Tottenham Hotspur has a huge following across the world and I have great admiration for the passion the fans show for this team. We are determined to give the supporters the kind of attacking football and success that we are all looking to achieve," he added.