United given Welbeck boost

Danny Welbeck is reportedly close to signing a new five-year contract with Man Utd as they look to end speculation about his future.

The England international established himself as a key figure at Old Trafford last season after being given his chance by Sir Alex Ferguson in the United first team. Welbeck's season was interrupted by a couple of injuries but he did manage to net 12 goals and as a result received an England call-up ahead of Euro 2012. As a result of his success the 21-year-old has been looking for a much improved deal, with his current contract worth around £16,000-a-week. However, United had refused to meet Welbeck's wage demands and as such the two parties have been at loggerheads for some time, leading to speculation he would look to let his contract run down and leave when it expires next year. Ferguson is keen to keep the promising youngster and the two parties are thought to have reached a compromise, with Welbeck set to put pen to paper on a new deal soon.