• Premier League

Ferdinand set to sign new contract

ESPN staff
May 18, 2013
Rio Ferdinand has been at the club since 2002 © Getty Images
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Rio Ferdinand is set to sign a new one-year deal with Manchester United, according to widespread media reports on Saturday.

Ferdinand, 34, is out of contract at the end of June and there had been speculation that he might not earn a new deal - despite outgoing boss Sir Alex Ferguson insisting he would stay at Old Trafford. But new manager David Moyes is said to have already sanctioned an extension for the central defender.

The player's decision to retire from England duty last week may well have aided his bargaining position, meaning he will be concentrating on club commitments rather than waiting for another recall opportunity.

Ferdinand has enjoyed his best season in years, leading England coach Roy Hodgson to name him in his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro in March. But the defender rejected the chance to join up with the squad due to a pre-planned training regime to manage back and calf problems.

The former West Ham United and Leeds United player is expected to put pen to paper at the start of next week.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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