United to offer Keane massive pay rise

Manchester United are on the verge of handing captain Roy Keene a new contract with the club worth £12 million in wages.

The Republic of Ireland international will lead United at Wembley this afternoon in the FA Cup final against Newcastle United but will miss the Champions league decider next week against Bayern Munich with suspension. He has been talking with United for the past six months about a new deal as his present contract expired next summer turning him into a free agent at the end of this year under the Bosman ruling.

United were desperate to keep their captain who has enjoyed the finest season of his career so far in the centre of their midfield.

The champions hope Keene will sign a new deal until 2005 by the end of this month which will take him to the brink of 33 years of age. The player could earn more in a move to the continent though the signs are that he will stay in the Premiership with the side he has led to the two doubles already this decade.