Goalkeeping candidates for Manchester United
Anders Lindegaard, the goalkeeper from Aalesunds has confirmed that he has been approached by Manchester United. In recent months there have been strong speculations linking the goalkeeper for a move to Old Trafford. It was reported
that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had singled him out as the replacement for Edwin Van der Sar, and had instructed his goalkeeping coach Eric Steele to keep an eye on him.
It is believed that the reports sent by the United scouts have been positive, and a possible bid is to be made once the next transfer window opens in January.
Lindegaard said that there has been a lot of speculation in the papers in last few months; several clubs have been linked with him, but only some of the speculations are actually true. He said that Manchester United is one club
that is surely part of the list and have shown interest. He added that Manchester United is a club he will love to go to, and at this point in his career it may be a great move. Lindegaard went on to say that although an offer has not yet been made, but he
is quite confident that it is only a matter of time.
Meanwhile Maarten Stekelenburg, the Ajax goalkeeper is also eyeing a move to Manchester United. He said that leaving Ajax for United is a possibility, and once an offer comes he will seriously consider the option.
The Dutch international’s current contract with Ajax runs till the end of 2012 season, he is believed to be looking for a new challenge and Manchester United looks to be his likely destination at the end of current season.
Ajax manager Martin Jol has also hinted that Stekelenburg may be leaving the club come the end of the season. The former Tottenham manager has not clearly said it out loud but did suggest that Manchester United may be showing some
interest.
Stekelenburg, who is now 28, said that Manchester United have been asking around about him, and he believes that it will be great to replace his compatriot Edwin Van der Sar at the theatre of dreams.
"That is a club where everyone wants to play," Stekelenburg told Dutch sports magazine NuSport. "If Jol said he is aware of the interest, I will take notice.
Stekelenburg said that even if he does not get an offer from Manchester United he will be making an exit at the end of the season. He said that he has no problems with his current employers, but he simply needs a new challenge
in a new country. On the other hand Ajax will also benefit from the move, as the club is in desperate need of some money.
"Ajax want money for me and I have no problem with that. Financially, it would be the most interesting to sell me this summer”.
Stekelenburg went on to say that at the end of the season, he will decide what to do and the club will not dictate his future. He added that if he makes a move to English Premier League he wants to play in a top club, and will
not be willing to settle for a club that is threatened by relegation.
He added that if that is the case, he would rather stay at Ajax for one more season.
Manchester United have been looking for a goalkeeper all over Europe, as their Dutch shot stopper Edwin Van der Sar is almost 40 and Sir Alex will be looking for a capable replacement as soon as possible.
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