Beckham poised for lucrative pay rise

Manchester United say they are on course to agree a new contract with David Beckham before the start of next season. It is understood the deal will put Beckham, currently earning about £28,000 per week, on a par with Roy Keane as the club's highest earner on a gross weekly salary of about £75,000.

Brian McClair, the former Manchester United striker, has returned to Old Trafford as the club's reserve-team manager.

Steve McClaren, formerly No 2 at Old Trafford and now Middlesbrough's manager, is ready to make Bordeaux's French international François Grenet his first signing in a £2.5m deal. The 26-year-old can play at right-back or in midfield.

Fiorentina's Portuguese international midfielder Rui Costa is to join Milan for about £25m. Milan have extended the contract of their Ukrainian international Andrei Shevchenko until 2006, ending rumours of a move to Tottenham.

Gianluca Vialli's team-building at Watford has continued with the signature of the out-of-contract Everton midfielder Stephen Hughes on a free transfer. The Monaco centre-half Martin Djetou has demanded a transfer and could make a £7m switch to Fulham, who have announced a one-year shirt sponsorship deal with Pizza Hut.

Bolton have completed the £650,000 signing of the Danish striker Henrik Pedersen from Silkeborg. Sunderland have signed the 19-year-old French striker David Bellion from Cannes on a free transfer.

Chelsea have tied four of their most promising youngsters into long-term contracts. Leon Knight, 18, has signed until 2005, and Warren Cummings until 2004. Sam Parkin, 20, and Robert Wolleaston, 21, will stay until 2003, but both will start the new campaign on loan at Northampton.

The veteran defender Neil Ruddock is in talks with Oxford United about a possible move.