Rio set to return

RIO FERDINAND was set to return to the Manchester United side for today’s Vodafone Challenge match against Orlando Pirates in Durban.

The Reds’ central defender was ruled out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs after suffering from a back spasm in the warm-up before the game.

Ferdinand replaces Wes Brown who has returned home on compassionate grounds following the death of his half-sister.

Midfield man Michael Carrick will play against Pirates after recovering from a slight hamstring strain sustained in Saturday’s match.

CITY are reported to be interested in signing Argentinian midfield man Pablo Zabaleta from Spanish side Espanyol in a £6million deal.

Zabaleta (23) holds a Spanish passport and has won five caps, captaining their under-20 side to a world title in 2005.