Larsson not keen to extend United stay

LONDON, Feb 20 (Reuters) Former Sweden striker Henrik Larsson is not keen on extending his loan spell with Manchester United and is set to return to hometown club Helsingborg next month.

The 35-year-old former Barcelona and Celtic striker joined United on January. 1 in a deal that is due to end on March 12.

Larsson has indicated to United manager Alex Ferguson that he does not want to remain at Old Trafford beyond his 10-week stay, the Guardian newspaper reported on Tuesday.

''I am not saying that I am not flattered or grateful to get the opportunity to extend my stay but there are other things I need to think about,'' the newspaper quoted Larsson as saying.

''This is a great adventure for me. I arrived in January and I'm going home in March to play in Sweden. It suits me perfectly.'' Larsson has scored twice in eight appearances for United, netting in an FA Cup tie against Aston Villa and a league win over Watford.

Last month Helsingborg Chairman Sten-Inge Fredrin said the Swedish club would not stand in Larsson's way if he wanted to extend the deal.

REUTERS PM RK1430