MU to keep Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is expected to agree a new one-year deal at Manchester United, with the understanding being he will do so before the end of the season. The defender wanted to focus on the club's bid to secure a 20th title and after this was achieved with Monday's win over Aston Villa, he will now discuss terms. Ferdinand wants to play on at Old Trafford for as along as possible so while United offer only 12-month contracts to players in their 30s, he is targeting two more years at least.

Ferdinand has serious offers to move overseas from China and the US. But with the 34-year-old being among United's best performers this season in what has been a relatively untroubled campaign fitness-wise, and with a young family, Ferdinand is keen to extend his 11 years at the club.

Paul Scholes, who has not played since 26 January due to a knee injury, is expected to announce his retirement at the end of the season, for a second time. The 38-year-old has made 19 appearances this season.

Earlier this month Bryan Robson, the former United captain who is now a club ambassador, suggested the midfielder would not seek to renew his one-year contract. "Scholesy I'm not so sure about," he said. "He's been having a few problems with his knee. So I think he might just call it a day.

"Only he can answer whether or not he may register again in case of emergencies. But because of his attitude and the way he goes about training it is good to have him around the place," he said.


/The Guardian/