Ferguson steps up his search for a goalkeeper

Choosing a world-class goalkeeper has been Sir Alex’s Achilles Heel, and the man himself has acknowledged that in the recent past. With Edwin van Der Sar set to retire at the end of this season, Sir Alex will be forced to do something that he really does not enjoy – choose a new goalkeeper!

Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Atletico Madrid’s £15 million rated goalkeeper David de Gea. De Gea, an under-21 international for Spain has been touted as the successor to Iker Casillas. With the player having encouraged links connecting him to a possible move to Old Trafford, a switch looks likely in the January window. Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been keeping track of his progress, but he would have greater chance of first team football at Old Trafford rather than at the Nou Camp or the Bernabeu.

Reports in England also suggest that United will make a £20 million bid to sign Liverpool’s shot-stopper Pepe Reina. The move looks unlikely though as Reina would have to suffer the fans’ derision if he hopped over to Liverpool’s bitter rivals. Sir Alex has already signed the Danish No.1 goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard from Aalesund, but signing another world class stopper would entail healthy competition for places.

United are also keeping an eye on Schalke’s Manuel Neuer, Leverkusen’s Rene Adler and Rangers’ Allan McGregor.

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