Carrick is set to finalise personal terms before being unveiled to the media at Old Trafford within the next 48 hours - the press conference is likely to take place before the weekend, however.

Setanta Sports understands that Carrick will move in a straight-cash deal, with no players moving in the opposite direction. The midfielder's desire to move to United is said to have forced Martin Jol into letting one of his prize assets leave North London.

Carrick is set to pen a five-year deal at Old Trafford once his medical is completed and terms are agreed, with no hitches expected at this stage.

United agreed a fee of Stg17m with Tottenham on Thursday after tracking the midfielder for the last couple of seasons. Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson sees Carrick, who was a member of England's World cup squad, as a replacement for Roy Keane.

The news will be a major boost for United's fans with Ruud van Nistelrooy all but completing his move to Real Madrid this week.

Last update : 27-07-2006 22:26

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