Carroll close to signing new United deal

Roy Carroll is expected to sign a new contract at Manchester United after being given assurances over his future by Alex Ferguson.

It had been anticipated the 27-year-old Northern Ireland goalkeeper would be on his way out of Old Trafford after four seasons at the club.

However, Carroll is now set to sign a three-year contract with his present deal about to run out and he will fight it out for the number one spot with American Tim Howard, who has been given a new deal which will keep him at the club until 2009.

Carroll’s agent Francis Martin told the Daily Star: “Roy has spoken with the manager and has been given certain assurances.”