Van Nistelrooy may end his career at United

RUUD van Nistelrooy believes he will finish his career at Manchester United if he signs a new contract at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old Dutch international is negotiating an extension to his current deal but admits "in football everything is possible" following speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

"We are in negotiations, but at the moment I have not signed anything," van Nistelrooy said.

However, the player is aware of the interest from Spain. "Of course I have heard it. What do you want me to say?" Van Nistelrooy continued.

"You know that in football everything is possible."

But if a deal is reached with United, the Dutchman insists he will honour the agreement.

"What is certain is if I sign a new contract with Manchester, this will mean I will finish my career there," he said.

Meanwhile, Manchester United chief executive David Gill believes the club has such financial muscle it does not need "a sugar daddy".

Tycoons such as the Cubic Expression partnership of John Magnier and JP McManus as well as the American Malcolm Glazer have been boosting their shareholding recently.But United are keen to keep their independence as much as they can within the constraints of a plc.

Meanwhile, Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Lionel Scaloni has vowed to take revenge on Real Madrid's David Beckham when the two sides meet again in May.

Beckham and Argentinian Scaloni became involved in a heated row during the closing stages of Real's 2-1 win at the Bernabeu on Sunday. The England captain attempted to diffuse the situation by offering to shake hands but Scaloni was not interested and claimed Beckham's gesture was insincere.

"The referee asked us to shake hands, but I didn't want to," said Scaloni.

"I didn't think he meant it as we wanted to kill each other 10 seconds earlier. I think it's false to offer your hand because we couldn't stand each other. He fouled me from behind, we both fell over and threw out a couple of kicks and after that he made a gesture that I didn't like at all."

Depor host Real on May 2 just over a month before the start of Euro 2004 - and Scaloni has promised England captain Beckham a hot reception at the Riazor.

"There is always a chance of revenge in football and we will see each other again on a football pitch," said Scaloni I will be waiting for him in our Riazor stadium for the next game."