Sir Alex: Rooney To Get New Deal

Sir Alex Ferguson says Wayne Rooney will be given a new contract to extend his stay at Manchester United.

Last week Ferguson insisted there was no way Rooney will be allowed to leave the club this summer despite not starting the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid.

Rooney's current deal expires in 2015 but Ferguson has no concerns.

"There's no issue with his contract. When it has to be renegotiated it will be done," Ferguson told the Sunday newspapers.

"We don't want good players to leave."

Football agent Phil Smith told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek that the summer will be a pivotal period in deciding Rooney's future.

"It is a watershed time because when it comes up to two years left in the summer it's decision time," Smith said.

"He's 27 so his value is still massive and I would think they'll definitely offer him a new contract."

Former Arsenal and Tottenham manager George Graham believes United may offer Rooney reduced terms but expects the England striker to leave Old Trafford this summer.

He told Sportsweek: "Two years is usually the time you start negotiating a contract. I'm sure United will offer him a new contract but it may be less money than he's on now.

"I've got a funny feeling [Rooney's future] won't be [at United] but there are very few clubs that can afford to buy him."

Former Chelsea and England defender Graeme Le Saux thinks that Rooney's versatility has become a problem for him.

Le Saux told Sportsweek: "At the moment I don't think he's nailed on where he's going to play.

"Every game he seems to play in a slightly different position and it's difficult to hold down a position when it doesn't exist in the formation every week.

"I think he'll stay and be there next season. For the foreseeable future Wayne Rooney will be wearing a Manchester United shirt."