Premiership: Beckham: United deal closer

David Beckham is closer to committing his future to Manchester United after a second round of contract talks.

United are upbeat about tying up a deal following discussions with the England skipper's representatives, SFX.

Wednesday's talks were the first detailed contract negotiations following a preliminary meeting in May.

United and SFX have arranged another meeting for before the end of the month and the Reds are optimistic that a new deal can be struck before the start of the new season.

United's director of communications Paddy Harverson said: "We can confirm that a second meeting between the representatives of David Beckham and Manchester United took place at Old Trafford.

"The first preliminary discussions were held just before the FA Cup final in London. Wednesday's meeting was the first detailed contract discussions.

"Another meeting has been scheduled for before the end of the month. Talks are progressing well and satisfactorily and Manchester United remain confident of completing the process of securing all its players on new contracts before the end of the season."

Beckham, 26, has two years left on his current deal, which is worth around £28,000-a-week.

United are anxious to agree a new deal now as part of their on-going process of tying up their best players on long-term contracts.

Beckham, who has said all along that he wants to stay at Old Trafford despite strong interest from home and abroad, can expect a huge hike in his wages.

He will be offered a deal which will put him at least on a par with Roy Keane, who is currently the club's top earner on a gross weekly wage of £75,000.