Manager Alex Ferguson has already started planning for
the Dutchman's retirement - and CSKA Moscow's Akinfeev is one of
his options.
The keeper, 23, has impressed for club and country
since arriving on the scene five years ago.
He has been on the radar of a number of Europe's top
teams and Fergie does not want United to miss out.
Van der Sar, 38, says he will make a decision this
season about whether to hang up his gloves.
Ben Foster is his likely successor after overtaking
Tomasz Kuszczak in the United pecking order.
And the Pole may be heading for the exit, leaving room
for another keeper if Van der Sar does retire.