Tottenham Hotspur have failed in an audacious bid to sign Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand according to the News of the World.

It would appear that Harry Redknapp made discreet enquiries over the availability of Ferdinand but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly told the former Portsmouth manager that the defender is not for sale.

It is also believed that Tottenham’s medical staff have even assessed Ferdinand’s injuries and believe that they could get 100 games over two seasons out of the England captain.

That led to Redknapp being convinced that Ferdinand was the signing he needed but United are apparently not willing to sell.

Ferdinand was again on the sidelines as the Red Devils brushed aside West Ham United 3-0 to move to third in the Premier League table.