Scholes set to sign new United deal

Paul Scholes is set to sign a new long-term contract with Manchester United in the summer.

Although no deal has been finalised, it is understood that United have agreed the broad outline of a new contract with Scholes.

The England midfielder is expected to put pen to paper at the end of the season.

United's director of communications Paddy Harverson said: "We are still in negotiations with Paul and are confident of concluding a new deal soon."

The deal is expected to be for five years and will double Scholes' current salary at Old Trafford.

Scholes, 26, will be the latest in a line of high-profile players to commit their long-term futures to United.

The club are working their way through a group of key players and Andy Cole, Jaap Stam and Ryan Giggs have already agreed new terms.

Salford-born Scholes looks likely to be next and after him United will step up talks with David Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville, Wes Brown and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

United, who also broke the British transfer record with the £19million signing of Holland striker Ruud van Nistelrooy this week, hope to have all of these players tied down with lucrative long-term contracts well before manager Sir Alex Ferguson retires at the end of next season.

Agreeing a new deal with Beckham could prove the most difficult set of negotiations for United.

Talks have started and United know there could be problems over Beckham's terms.

Beckham and his advisors are well aware of his value to United, both on and off the pitch, and he is determined not to sell himself short.

United appreciate this, but chief executive Peter Kenyon has already stated that the club will not break the bank for the England captain.