Man U's Carrick welcomes Sneijder challenge

Antonio Valencia has landed a bumper new double-your-money deal at Manchester United.

According to The Sun, the Ecuador international midfielder is expected to sign a four-year contract worth £80,000 a week.

Valencia, 25, is a key part of Alex Ferguson's squad and has battled back to fitness from a broken ankle he suffered in a Champions League clash against Rangers last September.

Valencia cost United £16million from Wigan in June 2009. He has made 69 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 10 goals.  

Carrick welcomes Sneijder challenge

Michael Carrick says he welcomes the challenge of Wesley Sneijder's potential arrival at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are trying to negotiate a £35million deal to land the Dutch playmaker from Inter Milan.

But England star Carrick does not see that as a threat to him.

According to the Sun, Carrick, 30, admitted: "At a club like this, there are always going to be players and names being bandied around.

"To be honest, as a player, you want the best players to be here whether it's in my position or not.

"We have had it before and I am sure we will have it again."

United boss Alex Ferguson is chasing Sneijder more eagerly after club legend Paul Scholes, 36, announced his retirement at the end of last season.