Daily: United to give Park Ji-sung contract extension

The Telegraph said Thursday that Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung will likely get a contract extension.

On its website, the British daily said in the article headlined, “Manchester United expected to extend Ji-sung Park`s contract” that Park is set for contract talks with the team at the start of the 2011-12 season.

“Park’s emergence as a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s team this season was demonstrated by his starting role in the Champions League final defeat against Barcelona on Saturday,” the report said.

“Park scored eight goals in 28 appearances last season,” it said, adding, “Park can expect a two-year extension to his current deal.”

Considering Park’s age, however, United could give him just a one-year extension. In 2009, he wanted a three to four-year deal but agreed with it for a two-year contract this year.

Yet United could present a more favorable offer since Park can focus on the team in the wake of his retirement from the Korean national team and his stellar performance this season.

If he gets the extension, Park’s annual salary will rise. In the 2009 contract, his annual salary was raised from 3.1 million pounds (5 million U.S. dollars) to 3.6 million pounds (5.9 million dollars). Given his performance this season, he will likely get more than 4 million pounds (6.5 million dollars).

creating@donga.com