EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | Chief correspondent
Manchester United are ready to offer Rio Ferdinand a one-year contract extension in January – but on around half his current salary.
The defender, who turns 34 next month, has yet to open talks with United about a new deal even though his agreement expires next summer.
The club want to extend his spell at Old Trafford beyond 11 years but, in line with their policy of offering reduced terms to its over-30s, Ferdinand cannot expect a renewal of his current £120,000-a-week wages.
Goal.com understands that when the two parties sit down to begin negotiations in the new year, United are preparing to offer Ferdinand a 12-month package worth around £60-70,000-a-week.
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“Andy will score sooner or later. But it is not about him scoring, it is about us winning,” Allardyce told reporters.
“He is still a young man and he has a lot of improving to do. But he is such an important player for us already. As the old saying goes, if the front man plays well, the team plays well.”
Allardyce also expressed his belief that referees should be more sympathetic towards Carroll, but praised the officiating in the weekend's game at Upton Park.
He added: “I think it is unfair that referees sometimes don’t take his side in sympathy terms because he is such a big lad.
“But at least the referee actually gave the free kicks the right way when he was getting fouled continually.”