RIO DE JANEIRO, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian giants Flamengo is reportedly preparing an offer to sign veteran Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

The former England captain is out of contract at Old Trafford and it is unclear whether new Red Devils manager David Moyes intends to offer the 34-year-old a new deal.

Flamengo faces strong competition from clubs in the Middle East, Russia and Europe for Ferdinand's signature, O Globo reported on Sunday.

Brazil's most supported team is understood to be seeking at least one major signing to the squad after finishing a disappointing 11th in Brazil's Serie A championship last season.

A number of marquee names have joined Brazilian clubs in the past two-and-a-half seasons, including two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho, star Uruguay striker Diego Forlan and former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf.