O’Shea ready to sign new United deal

MANCHESTER UNITED defender John O’Shea has revealed he is on the verge of signing a new four-year contract with the Old Trafford outfit.

The 24-year-old Irish international has been linked with a move to Celtic, although manager Alex Ferguson has never indicated he would be willing to let O’Shea leave.

Ferguson views Waterford-born O’Shea as one of the most valuable young players in his squad, and his ability to play in any defensive position, plus central midfield, is likely to be a major asset.

“I am very close to signing a new four-year deal and, fingers crossed, that will be done and dusted before the start of the season,” said O’Shea, whose present contract expires next summer. “That will take me to around 27 or 28 years old, which people say is around the time you reach your prime.”