England [Images] central defender Rio Ferdinand has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United [Images] that will keep him at the Premier League club until 2009.

The deal ends months of speculation over the 26-year-old's future. Ferdinand had been under contract at Old Trafford for another two years.

"It's great news that Rio has agreed a contract," said manager Alex Ferguson who had expressed his frustration last month at the slow speed of the contract talks.

"The reality of negotiations today is that they take time. But these have always been conducted in a good spirit and we are very pleased with the outcome."

Ferdinand became the world's most expensive defender when he moved to United from Leeds United in 2002 for 30 million pounds ($53.61 million).

MAJOR UNCERTAINTY

Media reports said the former Leeds United and West Ham United player had asked for 120,000 pounds a week under his new deal, almost certainly making him England's highest-paid player.

"I said all along that I wanted to stay at the club and this has now put that issue to bed," said Ferdinand. "I'm looking forward to the start of what I expect will be a great season."

The new deal removes a major uncertainty at Old Trafford ahead of the side's first season, starting on Saturday, under new American owner Malcolm Glazer.

United had to do without Ferdinand for much of the 2003/4 season after he was banned for eight months for missing a drugs test. Last season they finished third and were beaten in the FA Cup final by Arsenal [Images] on penalties.

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