Vieira: I won't play for United

Patrick Vieira has said he will never play for any English club other than Arsenal.

The comments, reported in France, would appear to put an end to the prospect of Vieira moving to Manchester United this summer.

Arsenal are currently locked in talks with the French World Cup winner over a one-year extension to his current deal. There has been continued speculation linking him with Real Madrid and last summer the player admitted his agent, Marc Roger, had spoken to United.

But Vieira appears to have now ruled that out completely. When asked if he could ever imagine being at United, Vieira said: "The answer is no. I would never play in England in another shirt other than Arsenal's. If I was to leave it would therefore be elsewhere.

"I want my future to be fixed before the World Cup. The ball is in the directors' court. If the club want me to stay I will stay.

"The fact our manager Arsene Wenger has extended his contract is an important element for my future.

"He's always been behind me, as with all of his players. The relationship he enjoys with his squad is frankly extraordinary."