By Chris O'Brien
November 5 2004

Roy Carroll is delaying his decision on whether to sign a new contract offered to him by Sir Alex Ferguson. The Ulsterman is thought to be considering how much first-team football he will get as well as his Northern Ireland chances, with a number of other clubs said to be interested in the 'keeper.

Manchester United have offered Roy Carroll an extension to his Old Trafford contract, but the shot stopper is stalling over the deal despite displacing Tim Howard in recent weeks to become first choice goalkeeper for the Red Devils.

Carroll's performances of late are thought to have attracted interest from a host of other clubs, and the Ulsterman is thought to be looking at the amount of first-team football on offer before making a decision about his future. The 27-year-old also has his international future with Northern Ireland to consider, as he battles for the gloves with Birmingham City's Maik Taylor.

"He has had an offer and it is up to him now. He is just the same as the rest of them, " said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, hinting that Carroll will need to make his mind up in the near future.

Carroll may not be keen to sign a short-term extension at United, and would want a promise of first-team football with competition from Tim Howard and Ricardo meaning regular matches is not a certainty for the former Wigan Athletix 'keeper. However, there is no doubt that Carroll's performances of late have been to a great standard and he made some fantastic saves away in Sparta Prague and during the memorable 2-0 Premiership victory over champions Arsenal.

Everton are said to have been alerted by Carroll's form and could look to offer him a contract. Should Wigan gain promotion to the Premiership, the Latics could also look to bring the Belfast-born player back to his former club as the ambitious Lancastrians dream of European football coming to the JJB Stadium.