New contract for Berbatov and Ferdinand very soon.

Manchester United are ready to open new contract talks with Dimitar Berbatov.

The Manchester Evening Newssays on Friday his agent Emil Dantchev flew into England for a face-to-face meeting with Old Trafford chief executive David Gill – on the very same day Sir Alex delivered the news to the 20-goal striker that he wouldn’t start against City on Saturday in the key title battle.

On Sunday, however, it is understood that Dantchev and Gill held their initial talks to discuss a new lucrative deal for Berbatov.

The club’s record signing joined the Reds from Spurs in August 2008 and signed a four- year deal on his arrival.

That contract is up next summer and United are keen to tie the player down to a new agreement.

The Bulgarian is on an Old Trafford salary believed to be around £100,000 a week, but having seen Wayne Rooney capture a new £250,000- a-week deal earlier in the season, Berbatov could still expect to pocket an extra £75,000 on his current earnings.

 Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand is ready to open talks over a new Manchester United contract.

The defender has declared he'd like to play out his career with United.

Now 32, Ferdinand is seeking a two-year extension, says the News of the World.

For the moment, United manager Sir Alex is sticking to club policy by offering the defender a 12-month deal.