Veteran striker Teddy Sheringham will be offered a new contract by English champions Manchester United, manager Alex Ferguson said on Monday. Sheringham's current one-year deal runs out in the summer but the 34-year-old has yet to open talks with the club, a fact which prompted media reports on Sunday that he could move to Middlesbrough.
"It's always been on the cards for us to talk to Teddy," said Ferguson. "We said many, many weeks ago, we will be offering him a new contract. I am keen for him to stay."
Sheringham will lead the United attack in their home champions League match against Valencia on Tuesday night. Ferguson is tipping midfielder David Beckham to make a big impression against the Spaniards. Beckham was taken off in the 0-0 draw in Valencia last week due partly to the Spanish side's tactics.
"I think most teams have been playing that way against David. We have the possbility to change one or two little things in our play, but if David gets his top form on he can handle it," said Ferguson.
A win for United would put them into the quarter-final stage with two games to go, but despite their form Ferguson is still tipping holders Real Madrid to lift the trophy.
"Last year we saw the emergence of Spanish sides again and they have three teams in with a chance of reaching the quarter-final," Ferguson said. "But I still think Real Madrid are the favourites."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
