Rio Ferdinand reacted to Alex Ferguson's criticisms last night by stating that he hopes to sign his new contract at Manchester United "in days rather than weeks".
Ferdinand has provisionally agreed most of the details on a three-year extension to his present deal, which expires in 2007, and more talks are scheduled with the club's hierarchy within the week. "Everyone knows what is happening," the central defender said. "Negotiations do not happen overnight, but we'll keep going and, fingers crossed, it will be over in days rather than weeks."
Though also declaring that "you never know how long it is going to take", Ferdinand (26) is keen to get the matter sorted out as quickly as possible to quell the growing criticisms of him from United fans and what the manager described as "lingering suspicions and doubts" after the defender's infamous dinner dates with Chelsea's chief executive Peter Kenyon.
The England international has given Ferguson his word he has no desire to join Chelsea and United hope to be able next week to announce his contract has been finalised, with the prospect of Ryan Giggs making a similar show of loyalty soon afterwards. Giggs's advisor, Harry Swales, had "positive" talks with David Gill, United's chief executive, on Wednesday and is understood to have moved significantly closer to an agreement.
United also learned last night that Gary Neville will almost certainly be spared further punishment for the rush of blood that saw him deliberately kick the ball into a section of Everton supporters at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.
Merseyside police have said they will not become involved and, though the English Football Association is to study the video footage of Neville's transgression, the indications are that he will be required only to serve the mandatory three-match ban for violent conduct. Likewise, the FA will not take Ferguson to task for his description of the referee Phil Dowd as "weak".
Ferguson repeated the allegation in an interview with the club's in-house TV station last night. "You need strong referees in these games and we didn't get one," he said. "We didn't get any protection from the first minute onwards."
Most of his ire, however, was reserved for Neville. The England full back is understood to have been docked a fortnight's wages and will miss games against Newcastle, Charlton and West Brom. Ferguson did not mince his words in private, although Neville's place in the FA Cup final against Arsenal on May 21st is not thought to be in jeopardy.
Paul Scholes will also miss Newcastle's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, having been sent off for two yellow cards, the second of which was such a crude challenge it could conceivably have merited an automatic red card. However, Ferguson refused to criticise his midfielder.
Meanwhile, Duncan Ferguson is close to agreeing a new 12-month contract with Everton and is prepared to take a £1 million pay cut to remain at Goodison Park. The 33-year-old striker made only his third league start of this season against Manchester United on Wednesday and headed the 55th-minute winner that reinforced Everton's position in fourth place. Ferguson also headed the goal that secured the Merseysiders's last league victory over United, in February 1995.
Everton's manager David Moyes has repaired his often fractious relationship with the former Rangers and Newcastle striker, in his second spell at Goodison Park, and wants to keep him at the club for a further year. Key to achieving that has been persuading Ferguson to cut his basic £35,000 weekly wage package to nearer £15,000, with bonuses linked to appearances and goals scored. Ferguson's agent, Dennis Roach, is due on Merseyside tomorrow to continue discussions.
Moyes has yet to settle terms with five other first-team regulars who could leave the club under the Bosman ruling at the end of the season. Gary Naysmith and David Weir have attracted interest from Leeds United, and the futures of Leon Osman, Alessandro Pistone and Alan Stubbs remain unclear, with negotiations at an impasse.
"We have offered contracts to a lot of players and now we will wait until the end of the season for the outcome," said Moyes. "People have many options nowadays and they are entitled to use them as they see fit, but I think most players want to be part of Everton."
Naysmith, Weir, Osman and Stubbs rejected new contracts - all, apart from Osman, have been asked to take pay cuts - and a decision will be made on Steve Watson's future after the final Premiership fixture against Bolton next month.
Birmingham City's manager Steve Bruce has confirmed his interest in Juventus's £5 million-rated midfielder Stephen Appiah. Bruce has been monitoring the 24-year-old Ghana international who has three years left on his contract, but is understood to be keen on a move to England.