JACK Wilshere is poised to sign a new and improved contract at Arsenal which will tie him to the club until 2015 and reward him for the encouraging start he has made to the season.
The 18-year-old’s deal expires in the summer after next and Arsene Wenger, who sees shades of Liam Brady in Wilshere, has been keen to secure him for the longer term.
Negotiations with Wilshere’s representatives are advanced. “We are confident we will sign Jack very quickly,” Wenger said. “We hope we can announce it soon. He has had a great start to the season. We expected him to come out in a higher position but it suits him to play from deep. There is a touch of Brady about him.”
SUNDERLANDmidfielder Andy Reid has joined English Championship side Sheffield United on an emergency loan deal.
The 28-year-old former Republic of Ireland international has joined United until the end of November after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Reid started last season in blistering form for Sunderland, but a succession of fitness problems have seen him fall from the reckoning, although he was used as a substitute in the recent Premier League draws with Arsenal and Manchester United.
LEEDSUnited have signed Andy O'Brien from Bolton on a one-month loan deal. The 31-year-old, former Republic of Ireland central defender who has played just 42 Premier League minutes for the Wanderers this term, has linked up at Elland Road for a month.
