Soccer: Stam pledges future to United

Jaap Stam hopes to end his career at Manchester United after signing a new contract at Old Trafford.

He has agreed a one-year extension to his current deal, which had just over four years left to run, to commit him to United until July 2006.

United have refused to reveal Stam's new terms, but they stress they are within the guidelines set by the club for all negotiations.

This means the Dutch international's salary has probably been doubled.

Stam now hopes to see out his playing days with the Reds.

"I'm delighted to have signed a new contract with United," he said.

"I've had a fantastic time at the club in my first three seasons, achieving considerable success in the process.

"I look forward to enjoying even more in the coming years at Old Trafford, where I will probably now end my career."

Stam has been outstanding for United since joining in a £10.75million move from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 1998 and manager Sir Alex Ferguson was thrilled by the news of his new contract.

"I'm delighted Jaap has agreed to sign a new deal with United," he said.

"He's been a stalwart in defence for us ever since he arrived two-and-a-half years ago and his display on Wednesday night in Valencia typified the magnificent performances he regularly contributes to the team."

Chief executive Peter Kenyon was also pleased at the successful outcome to the negotiations and he claims Stam has been a key figure in the club's 1999 Treble success and last season's Premiership triumph.

"We're extremely pleased to have signed Jaap to a new contract that keeps him here until 2006," he said.

"He has already played a big part in the club's recent achievements and there is no doubt he will continue to do so over the next five years."

Stam is the second United player to be rewarded with a new, improved contract after Andy Cole signed a four-year agreement at the start of the month.

United plan to agree new deals with all of their top players and next around the negotiating table will be David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.

Talks have already started with Giggs, although the Welsh international does not expect to sign on the dotted line before the end of the season.