England central defender Wes Brown yesterday agreed a new four-year contract will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of June 2005.
Brown, who has played three times for England and also won the Premiership title with United last season, said: "I am delighted. I have been here a long time and I am looking forward to new challenges and that is what Manchester United is all about."
Although Ferguson has brought in £19 million striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and is expected this week to complete the signing of Lazio midfielder Juan Veron, the United boss has placed great emphasis on retaining his championship winning squad.
Fabrizio Ravanelli's move to Derby is in danger of collapse after it emerged that the club's board were only prepared to offer the Lazio striker a one-year deal. Derby's financial worries could be eased if Republic of Ireland international Rory Delap agrees to join Southampton in a £4million deal. "Rory has spent the weekend thinking about it," said Jim Smith, "He is due to give a decision today."
Gareth Southgate is on the verge of ending his Aston Villa nightmare by signing for Middlesbrough. Villa's deputy chief executive Mark Ansell said yesterday: "A deal has now been agreed with Middlesbrough and all that remains now is for Gareth to agree terms and pass a medical."
Ian Walker ended a year of frustration yesterday by moving from Tottenham to Leicester in a £2.5 million deal. But the 29year-old goalkeeper has been told by manager Peter Taylor he will have to fight for the number one shirt with Tim Flowers.
