Chicago Fire insist they have not held talks with Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand about a move to MLS.

Ferdinand was linked with the Fire yesterday.

"We have watched and admired the play of Rio Ferdinand for a number of years, and we would be thrilled to have a player of his quality join the Chicago Fire Soccer Club," said a club statement.

"However, there is no substance to these current reports that the Fire is negotiating with Manchester United and the player to bring him to Chicago."