RIO FERDINAND is being lined up by Sir Alex Ferguson for a coaching job at the end of his playing career.

The Old Trafford defender, 30, has hinted that his current contract - due to expire in 2013 - could be his last.

But Sir Alex believes the England star can play a vital role at United in the years to come as a top-class defensive coach.

His standing at the club and at international level is seen as a vital asset in nurturing and spotting the next generation of top-class defenders.

Fergie wants to leave behind a legacy of coaching talent along the lines of the Anfield boot room and promote talent from within the ranks.

Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will kickstart their coaching careers this summer.

Both have been taking their badges and Ferguson wants to them to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the backroom staff.

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