Rio Ferdinand wants to end his career at Old Trafford; Gary Speed to be confirmed as Wales boss

Rio Ferdinand: I want to finish my career at Old Trafford

Rio Ferdinand is eager to sign a new long-term deal at Old Trafford so that he could finish his career at Manchester United.

The England international has two more years on his current deal but is already thinking about pledging his future to United.

“If the manager sees that I am fit enough, a four-year deal at that age would be great,” Ferdinand said.

He also rejected claims that numerous injury problems will shorten his career.

“I’ve played 15 games this season already, one of the most in the squad, so this is a good run of games for me.

“If I have to sit out three or four games at this stage I’ll be disappointed but I don’t see that happening.

“I love playing football and going out there and training every day. I’ve not missed any days’ training up until now, and I’m doing what I love and enjoy most.”

[Source: The Sun]

Gary Speed to be confirmed as Wales boss

Sheffield United manager Gary Speed has agreed to take over as the next Wales boss with the official announcement due later today.

Sheffield United have agreed a compensation package with the Welsh FA for the release of their former player, who had only signed a three-year deal last summer.

The 41-year-old Speed, who amassed 85 caps at international level as a player will immediately take charge of the national team.

Sheffield United has already started search for Speed’s replacement with Chris Hughton and Brighton’s Gus Poyet the contenders for the coveted post.

Having featured in over 500 Premier League games and more than 80 games for the national team, Speed definitely has a wealth of footballing experience, although the lack of coaching experience could prove to be a problem.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Besiktas set to sign Simao Sabrosa

Besiktas have reportedly reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid regarding the purchase of Portuguese midfielder Simao Sabrosa.

According to reports from Turkey, Simao Sabrosa is on the verge of a January move to Besiktas after he has agreed personal terms with the Turkish giants.

The midfielder will be out of contract at Atletico next summer and after he turned down the latest contract offer, Los Colchoneros agreed to sell him to Besiktas as they didn’t want to risk losing him for free at the end of the season.

Besiktas have offered Simao even more money than he was earning at Atletico, which proves the Turkish giants have set their minds on building the best team in Turkey.

The Portuguese international is thus set to join a star-studded team with players like Guti, Ricardo Quaresma and Nihat Kahveci already in the squad.

At 31 years of age this is likely to be Simao’s last big money move and it seems the Portuguese player was driven by the materialistic motives when choosing his next destination.

[Source: AS]

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