Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the club are "not far away" from agreeing a new contract with Rio Ferdinand.The 29-year-old is in the form of his life and recently captained England in the friendly against France.

He has been the backbone of a United side that has conceded only 15 goals in the Premier League this season ahead of the match at Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Ferdinand, who arrived in July 2002 from Leeds, has two more years left to run on his current deal but he has already indicated he is keen to stay put for the remainder of his career.

That was music to the ears of Ferguson, who confirmed: "We have been negotiating for a few weeks and I do not think we are far away.

"But you know what negotiations are like these days, they are never easy."

Ferdinand marked his 50th Champions League appearance with an assured performance in the 2-0 victory against Roma in the quarter-final first-leg tie in midweek.

After his partner Nemanja Vidic went off with a knee injury in the 33rd minute, Ferdinand made sure John O'Shea settled in well.

Ferguson said: "I thought Rio was particularly impressive in the second half against Roma, especially his interceptions.

"He also has the pace to deal with players who try to get beyond him."

United are aiming to make it six successive clean sheets in the league at the Riverside Stadium to keep a tight grip on top spot.

O'Shea could retain his place in the team alongside Ferdinand as Vidic is out for up to three weeks but Gary Neville, Mikael Silvestre and Gerard Pique are other options.

England full-back Wes Brown believes there is no secret to keeping clean sheets - only hard work on the training ground.

"There is a lot of talking," he said. "We know what we are doing and that helps. Everyone covers for each other.

"We focus on not letting any in because we know we will get chances to score.

"Middlesbrough always seem to play well against us there and make it difficult for us.

"However, we know we have a number of players who can unlock defences and that gives you confidence."

Neville is back in the squad for the first time in a year after a long-standing ankle injury.

He proved his fitness on Monday by playing the full 90 minutes for the reserves against Newcastle.

And Ferguson has praised the 33-year-old's work ethic after a 12-month absence from the first team.

"It has been a long road back for Gary," said the United boss. "He played a full match for the reserves this week, which was good. His personality and experience will help us.

"It is not easy at his age but his enthusiasm for the game and his determination to get back, that's what gives you the most encouragement about him. I think he will figure in some games this season."

On Vidic being sidelined, Ferguson added: "Of course he is a loss but I think we can cope.

"If we cannot, there is something wrong. We are very well covered in his position."

Nani is again absent because of thigh strain but could return for the second leg against Roma on Wednesday.

Darren Fletcher (knee) and Louis Saha (hamstring) remain sidelined through injury.

More Football News from TEAMtalk