Ferguson contract talks not Rocked by Magnier

ALEX Ferguson’s legal dispute with major shareholder John Magnier will not interrupt the Manchester United manager’s current contract talks.

Chief executive David Gill has pledged to successfully conclude negotiations to extend Ferguson's 17--year reign as Old Trafford boss even though the Scot is at the centre of a row with Magnier over ownership of racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.

Fears had been expressed that Magnier's influence at the club his Cubic Expression group is the largest single shareholder could have a negative impact on Ferguson's chances of staying beyond his current deal which expires in 2005.