United To Lock Up Defence

Sir Alex Ferguson is on course to wrap up new deals for four of Manchester United's rearguard.

Wes Brown, out of contract at the end of the season, is expected to sign a three-year contract worth £50,000-a-week in the next few days. He has been right-back this season in place of the injured Gary Neville and can talk to other clubs from January 1 unless United move fast.

Left-back Patrice Evra will renegotiate the deal that brought him to United almost two years, while John O'Shea was offered an improved contract.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will agree a 12-month extension until the end of next season.