Fergie plans Rooney talks

Alex Ferguson has confirmed he wants Wayne Rooney to stay at Manchester United for life.

Rooney’s present deal is not due to expire until 2010 but already the 20-year-old has enthusiastically spoken about his desire to remain with the Old Trafford club.

The £27m (€40m) striker’s comments are particularly welcome at a time when Chelsea are breaking the bank to bring in world class talent from across the globe.

And, while no talks have taken place with Rooney or his representatives, Ferguson is equally keen to thrash out a new contract and ensure one of the finest young talents in the world commits his long-term future to the Red Devils.

“We want Wayne Rooney to stay here for a lifetime,” said Ferguson.

“He is a fantastic footballer. He has the energy, enthusiasm and desire to remain at the top.

“We have a group of good young players here and we want them to stay together for a long time. Without question, Wayne is part of that and I am pleased he is so enthusiastic to stay.”

Having secured both Cristiano Ronaldo and Giuseppe Rossi on extended contracts over the past 12 months, Rooney appears to be next on the United hit-list.

However, chief executive David Gill confirmed talks will not take place at least until the transfer window has closed as the Red Devils concentrate on finding midfield reinforcements.

“It is in our plans to talk to Wayne but it is a private matter and we will not put a deadline on it or timing on it,” he said.

“Any player that says he wants to sign a contract is a positive sign and we will sit down and do something I am sure. It is in our interests and his to do that.

“But at the moment we are concentrating on this transfer window and some other matters.”

Meanwhile, Gill has confirmed Tomasz Kuszczak has signed a four-year contract with United.

The Old Trafford outfit announced Kuszczak’s arrival from West Brom yesterday but curiously failed to state the terms of the deal.

West Brom suggested the 24-year-old had initially signed on loan, with a view to the deal becoming permanent, although Gill has now clarified the situation.

“Tomasz will be a Manchester United player for the next four years,” he said.

“He has come to us on loan for the first year and then will join us permanently in July 2007.

“We would not have been interested in signing any player, even as one as good as Tomasz on loan. We would hope Tomasz remains a Manchester United player for many years to come.”

Ferguson has been chasing Kuszczak for most of the summer.

After protracted discussions, United agreed to let Paul McShane and Luke Steele, who was recalled from his loan spell at Coventry, to join the Baggies as part of the deal.

In addition, Ben Foster has returned to Watford for a second season in order to gain greater Premiership experience.