The England defender is a target for Barcelona and Real
Madrid - and knows a move to Spain will boost his growing business
career.
Ferdinand is under contract until 2013 but United could
be tempted to cash in on a player who is 30 and who has suffered
from recent injury problems.
A move to Spain would give brand Rio the kind of
platform both David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have exploited at
Madrid.
A source revealed: "Rio can see the sense of it.
"Not only would it be a fresh challenge as he nears the
end of his career, it would also fit all his projects off the
pitch.
"Rio has big business plans, which are already taking
shape, and would really take off if he moved to one of the big
Spanish clubs."
Ferdinand's growing portfolio includes running a record
label and a football agency. He is also about to launch a lifestyle
management company.
Another off-the-field project is #5 Magazine, which
uses the latest digital technology.
Elsewhere, the Rio Ferdinand Live The Dream foundation
was established last year to give young people from disadvantaged
backgrounds the chance to take part in sports, arts and cultural
activities.
A launch party in December, costing £495 per head, will
feature Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a guest speaker.
