`In limbo` Ferdinand battling to earn new contract at Man U

London: Veteran Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand has reportedly been placed on trial between now and the end of the season as he battles to earn a new contract at Old Trafford.

The former England star, whose current deal runs out in June, has not made a Premier League appearance since November and has found himself frozen out. According to the Daily Star, despite starting all five of United`s opening league games this season, Ferdinand has made just one league appearance since September as boss David Moyes has snubbed the veteran in favour of picking Jonny Evans , Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at centre-half instead. The report further said that however, United has the option of keeping Ferdinand for a further 12 months on his current terms and the club can trigger the option whenever they want, although they will wait until nearer the end of the season before making a decision. The report mentioned that Ferdinand`s immediate future would be in limbo as he waits to discover if the champions still want him, although he could now take the initiative himself and quit Old Trafford in the summer. The former England captain has lucrative offers from the United States and the Middle East and could decide to cash in before hanging up his boots, the report added.