Rio wants lifelong Utd deal

Rio Ferdinand is looking to sign a long-term deal with Manchester United that will see the England international stay at the club for the duration of his career. Man Utd are currently in negotiations with Rio and his agents and hope to tie up a deal in the next month - estimated to be worth £140,000 a week.

"I want to finish my career at United and the plan is to sign a contract that will enable me to do that," he explained in the Sunday Mirror.

"I don't want to go over what happened before. I think it's obvious that I am happy at United.

"It's important to me that I can secure my future here. It's important for everyone to get themselves sorted out and I think the club are trying to tie down lots of players.

"That bodes well for the future of the club. It's a fantastic place to play, the fans are brilliant and I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be."