[funkdoctorspock]

You know, reading about what I initially wrote, I do have to say I was being impatient.

United has a list of players to negotiate contract renewals and it so happened that Evra's was down on the list.

That doesn't mean he's not valued or less important. Its a matter of keeping the team stable. [ex. Ronaldo's contract]

I'm glad that talks have opened and I'm certainly hoping that Evra's contract gets renewed.

Quality player and essential to United's continued success.

Patrice Evra has revealed that he will have another meeting over a new Manchester United deal next week.

The Frenchman has just one year left to run on his current contract and he admits there is a lot of interest in him after an impressive season.

He has been waiting for his future to be sorted out for some time and is now set to discuss an extension with club officials.

"The negotiations have lasted a little. We will have a new meeting on May 29," Evra said in L'Equipe.

"Now it is up to the club, who know what we have already agreed. We will see.

"A lot of clubs are attracted to me. It is quite logical as I did a lot on the pitch.

"Anyway, I hope we will find a solution as soon as possible."


France

Evra was a key figure for United this season as they won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, and he is now hoping for more success with France at Euro 2008.

The left-back has been included in Raymond Domenech's initial squad and is looking to feature heavily in Austria and Switzerland.

He said: "Euro can be a very important step in my career. It will be my first tournament with the French team.

"I am confident, and at the group's disposal. I hope I can finish the season as European champion with Les Bleus."

Source