Van Nistelrooy in Man Utd vow

Van Nistelrooy is a Real Madrid target

Ruud van Nistelrooy will end his career at Manchester United if he signs a new contract with the club.

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Van Nistelrooy but negotiations have opened on a new five-year deal at Old Trafford.

"What is certain is that if I sign a new contract with Manchester, this will mean I will finish my career there," Van Nistelrooy said on Dutch TV.

"We are in negotiations, but at the moment I have not signed anything."

The Dutch striker is midway through a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with reported wages of £40,000 per week.

But Van Nistelrooy admitted he was aware of the speculation linking him with a move to Madrid.

"Of course I have heard it," added Van Nistelrooy.

"What do you want me to say? You know that in football everything is possible."

The 27-year-old has scored 96 goals in 124 United games and Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to commit his future to United.

He is simply the best striker ever to have graced Old Trafford From ATN Have your say on 606

"We are progressing with his contract," said the United manager.

Real's interest in the Dutch striker has prompted Manchester United to make Van Nistelrooy's contract a priority.

But any new Old Trafford deal would elevate Van Nistelrooy alongside the likes of Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand.