United agree £18.6m for Carrick

Tottenham have agreed a fee of up to £18.6m (€27.2m) for the transfer of midfielder Michael Carrick to Manchester United.

The 25-year-old, who was a member of the England squad at the World Cup, is due at United this morning for a medical.

In a statement issued to the Stock Exchange this morning, Tottenham said: “Tottenham Hotspur plc announces that agreement has been reached for the transfer of the player registration of Michael Carrick, subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical, to Manchester United Football Club for a total consideration of up to £18.6m (€27.2m).”

United boss Alex Ferguson has insisted his squad needs only minor tweaking to launch a major challenge to Barclays Premiership champions Chelsea this season.

Carrick is unlikely to be the last new face to arrive before the campaign opens against Fulham on August 20.

“We have targeted several players but in my experience, these things take time,” said Ferguson. “Michael will have his medical on Monday and then, hopefully, we will be able to conclude that deal.”

Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar are all set to play for United at Macclesfield on Monday night.

Rooney is due to meet up with Cristiano Ronaldo again, with the Portugal winger due back at Carrington for the first time since the infamous World Cup bust-up with his United team-mate.