NEARLY

Last updated : 02 December 2003 By editor

Chief executive David Gill has pledged to successfully conclude negotiations to extend Ferguson's 17-year reign as Old Trafford boss even though the Scot is at the centre of a row with Magnier over ownership of racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.

Fears had been expressed that Magnier's influence at the club - his Cubic Expression group is the largest single shareholder - could have a negative impact on Ferguson's chances of staying beyond his current deal which expires in 2005.

But Gill, vowed that would not happen and talks will eventually reach a positive conclusion.

"No outside influence will be allowed to interfere with Alex signing a new contract,Alex has been very successful and we are moving ahead to finalise the contract to make sure he stays with us to deliver more success for many years to come."

Ferguson added:

"It's a problem of time. David was in America last week and I was there the previous week. We're not far away."