FERGIE SLAMS AGENTS

United are currently entering negotiations with a number of top-stars, including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Andy Cole, but it already seems that the Old Trafford hierarchy are becoming increasingly annoyed with the players' representatives.

"It has all become just a huge ego trip for agents," blasted Ferguson. "All the figures about what players are wanting is all coming from the agents.

"It is more important for them to get huge salaries for their players than it is for the players themselves.

"Agents demand this kind of money and then they can go around to their other clients saying I got this and that for so-and-so.

"All agents are is a voice for the player, as a club we know what we are prepared to give a player before we get into discussions.

"Agents asking for such and such a figure is rubbish it is just an ego trip for them."

The English champions are keen to tie-down their squad on long-term contracts, but are also aware that the likes of Beckham, Giggs and  Paul Scholes will want wages that put them on par with Europe`s elite.

United broke their rigid pay structure last year when they gave captain Roy Keane a new £52,000 per week contract and also signed Frenchman Fabien Barthez on a multi-million pound deal.

Giggs also confirmed on Wednesday that he is confident a new deal is in the offing.

"We're in talks at the moment," said Giggs."My agent has met with the club, and we're waiting for them to come back to us now.

"As far as I'm concerned, I think it's all looking good.

"I have never had any problems in the past with contracts and I don't foresee any problems this time.

"I don't want to go and I don't think the club want me to, so I can only see it going smoothly.

"I wouldn't be surprised if it went through in the summer, but there's no hurry."