Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck agrees five-year contract deal

Apr 22, 2012 8:52:00 AM

The 21-year-old is happy to commit his long-term future at Old Trafford and will put pen to paper on a £45,000-a-week contract at the end of the season which will treble his salary

EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart | UK Correspondent

Danny Welbeck will sign a five-year contract with Manchester United at the end of the season after finally agreeing terms with the club over a new deal, Goal.com has learned.

The 21-year-old has agreed to a deal worth around £45,000-a-week to treble his current salary and represent his value to Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad after breaking into the side this season.

Basic terms were agreed in principle in November but United and Welbeck’s agent spent several months wrangling over further rises and bonuses before coming to an agreement.

The England international, whose existing deal expires next summer, has told team-mates that he his happy to commit his future to the club while United were keen to agree a deal before the player set off for Euro 2012.

Welbeck, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland, has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season and has jumped ahead of Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez as the first-choice strike partner for Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford.

United were eager to tie Welbeck down to a long contract to ensure there are no doubts over his future, especially with Berbatov and Michael Owen expected to depart in the summer.

Ferguson has huge faith in the Manchester-born forward’s talent and believes the youngster is constantly improving as he develops physically.

"We were always aware of Danny Welbeck's ability," said the United manager earlier this year. "The issue with him now is addressing the physical side.

“Our stats show there's still a bit to do before he becomes a complete adult.

"He has a good attitude, although he should have, he's a young player with an opportunity at Manchester United.

“That's one of the reasons you pick these players, because they show their temperament as they come through the youth programmes and the reserves.”

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