Ridsdale says bid shows determination

"We've agreed a fee. which is not only a British record but also a world record for a defender," said Ridsdale.

"That demonstrates our determination to become a leading force both in the Premiership and Europe."

Ridsdale was holding talks with Ferdinand and his agent Pinhas Zahavi today to discuss personal terms.

The proposed £22,000-per-week, five-year deal is unlikely to be sniffed at by the England international centre-back who is reported to be on just £9,000-per-week at Upton Park.

But Zahavi admits the move "is not cut and dried."

He said: "To be the first player to go for this kind of money - a world record for a defender - has made him very proud, but first we have to speak to the chairman."

"But Rio has always said he would be happy to move to a big club, that it would be a dream, and Leeds are a fantastic club."

The 22-year-old England defender said he owes it to himself, his family and West Ham fans to think carefully about the proposed move.

"It's D-Day for me now and this is easily the biggest decision I've had to make in my career to date," said Ferdinand on his own website.

Leeds will be glad to get Ferdinand on board after last night's 2-0 Champions League defeat against Real Madrid at Elland Road.

Injuries and the suspension of Olivier Dacourt undoubtedly took its toll as O'Leary said: "When you play a world class team like this you don't go into the match with the number of players we had out.

"Taking nothing away from the lads that played, you've got to go in with what you think is your best team - and then it would still have been hard.

"You need your quality people to keep possession, especially in midfield, but our midfield players were in the stands.

"Obviously, the players are disappointed, but you can't go in blasting them. You are dealing with young people, some of whom know they would not be in the team but for injuries."