Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly
targeting 26-year-old Danish keeper Anders Lindegaard, who has been
tipped as the new Peter Schmeichel.
Lindegaard, who plays for Norwegian side Aalesunds, has
attracted attention from Europe with some impressive displays and,
despite internationals like Manuel Neuer, Hugo Lloris and Igor
Akinfeev being linked to Old Trafford, his agent believes he can be
a success in England.
"Anders has been playing at a very high level for a long time
now and that has been noticed around Europe,'' Michael Stensgaard
told the Manchester Evening News.'' He absolutely has the
ability to play in the Premier League."
Ferguson is searching for a long-term successor to Edwin van der
Sar, having sold Ben Foster to Birmingham for £6 million this
summer, and Lindegaard could be available for a similar fee to the
£550,000 Schmeichel cost when he arrived from Brondby in 1991.
Despite the fact that a host of young 'keepers including Tom
Heaton, Luke Steele and Nick Culkin have all failed to make the
grade at the club, Ferguson has already stated his desire to give
20-year-old Ben Amos a chance to shine, having promoted him from
the reserves for the coming season.
"We think he is an outstanding young goalkeeper," he said. "He
has an incredible physique and is improving his speed.
"When it comes to experience, he will have to wait because Edwin
van der Sar is still showing good form and Tomasz Kuszczak is very
good too. But his time will come because he has got the
ability."