Manchester United target Steven Defour signs new Standard Liege deal

30 March 2010 14:05
Sir Alex Ferguson's attempts to woo Steven Defour have hit a setback, with the Belgium starlet signing a new deal at Standard Liege. [LNB]The 21-year-old midfielder, also the subject of approaches by Liverpool, Everton and Real Madrid, has extended his contract at Standard till 2015. [LNB]Ferguson's admiration was revealed in October when it had emerged the Manchester United boss had penned a get-well-soon letter to Defour, who had suffered a nasty broken foot. [LNB] Non mover: Defour (bottom) has extended his stay in Belgium[LNB]'Dear Steven, I heard that you have a serious injury,' wrote the Scot. 'You will have to work hard to make your comeback, but then I will follow your performances closely. [LNB]'I will certainly keep in contact with Standard, and I hope that your mental strength holds out.' [LNB]Defour has since recovered and seems satisfied in Belgium. [LNB]He has previously shown patience in his career development by turning down a move to Ajax three years ago. [LNB]  Standard made him their captain despite his young age and won the league title under his leadership in 2008 - when he was named Belgium's player of the year - and in 2009. [LNB]Announcing the contract extension, Standard released a statement saying: 'With this decision our captain has clearly made a statement that he does not want to leave us yet.' [LNB]Manchester City and Arsenal have also been previously linked to one of the hottest young properties in Europe.  [LNB] Fergie tells Defour 'Manchester United are watching' in get-well-soon letterCharitable Sir Alex Ferguson - Steven Defour is not the first to get a good luck message from the Manchester United bossFerguson is relishing Bayern Munich showdown in United's week of destinyWayne Rooney won't hurt us! Bayern claim they're not scared of Manchester United striker Macheda ready for more heroics with starlet set for bench against BayernMANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail