UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the club are
"not far away" from agreeing a new contract with Rio
Ferdinand.
The 29-year-old is in excellent form and recently
captained England in the friendly against France.
He has been the backbone of a United side that has conceded only 15
goals in the Barclays Premier League this season ahead of the match
at Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Ferdinand, who arrived in July 2002 from Leeds, has two more years
left to run on his current deal but he has already indicated he is
keen to stay put for the remainder of his career.
That was music to the ears of Ferguson, who confirmed: "We have
been negotiating for a few weeks and I do not think we are far
away.
"But you know what negotiations are like these days, they are never
easy."
Ferdinand marked his 50th Champions League appearance with an
assured performance in the 2-0 victory against Roma in the
quarter-final first-leg tie in midweek.
After his partner Nemanja Vidic went off with a knee injury in the
33rd minute, Ferdinand made sure John O'Shea settled in well.
Impressive
Ferguson said: "I thought Rio was particularly impressive in the
second half against Roma, especially his interceptions.
"He also has the pace to deal with players who try to get beyond
him."
United are aiming to make it six successive clean sheets in the
league at the Riverside Stadium to keep a tight grip on top
spot.
O'Shea could retain his place in the team alongside Ferdinand as
Vidic is out for up to three weeks but Gary Neville, Mikael
Silvestre and Gerard Pique are other options.
England full-back Wes Brown believes there is no secret to keeping
clean sheets - only hard work on the training ground.
"There is a lot of talking," he said. "We know what we are doing
and that helps. Everyone covers for each other.
"We focus on not letting any in because we know we will get chances
to score.
"Middlesbrough always seem to play well against us there and make
it difficult for us.
"However, we know we have a number of players who can unlock
defences and that gives you confidence."
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1044016_rio_close_to_new_deal
