Manchester United have opened talks with Patrice Evra as the Red Devils bid to tie the France full-back to a new contract at Old Trafford.

The France international has been a revelation over the past season-and-a-half after a difficult first six months following £5million his arrival from Monaco.

Having tied up keeper Edwin van der Sar for an extra year and granted Nemanja Vidic, who arrived in January 2005 with Evra, an extension which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2012, United have now turned their attentions to the full-back, with Ferguson confirming chief executive David Gill had made the first contact.

"David spoke to Patrice's agents, so he will probably fix up a meeting with them," he said.

Given the enthusiasm he has shown for life with United, discussions are unlikely to take long and it is anticipated Evra will end up committing himself to United for a similar period to Vidic.