My head's on the block over new deal, says Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand insists his "head is on the chopping board" as he comes under increased pressure to sign a new contract with Manchester United.

Rio Ferdinand insists his "head is on the chopping board" as he comes under increased pressure to sign a new contract with Manchester United.

The England defender claims negotiations are still ongoing between the club and his agent Pini Zahavi, although manager Sir Alex Ferguson has previously expressed his frustration at how long it is taking to reach an agreement.

Asked why he had not yet signed the contract, Ferdinand last night said: "Negotiations. Some people take two years; some people take 18 months; some people take a year.

"Mine has been going now a month. It's just negotiations and fingers crossed we can keep negotiating and then we will get an agreement.

"I'm not saying it will take two years. What I'm saying is that people take 18 months to sign a contract. I've been given a month and already my head is on the chopping board."

The 26-year-old believes Malcolm Glazer's takeover of the club has also caused a delay in his contract talks, adding: "That has slowed things down a bit because that is more important. That's the club and we have to get that sorted out."

l The Italy midfielder Francesco Totti signed a new five-year contract to remain at Roma yesterday. Totti's deal is worth a reported €10.4m (£7m) per year and keeps him at the club until June 2010.