UNITED EYE RIU PATRICIO

MANCHESTER UNITED have been given first option on signing Sporting Lisbon keeper Rui Patricio.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is actively seeking another keeper amid fears that Polish star Tomasz Kuszczak, 29, will quit United after losing out to Ben Foster.

Despite Ferguson's claims Foster will be his long-term No 1, doubts are beginning to creep in at Old Trafford.

Earlier this week United's goalkeeper coach Eric Steele admitted that the club were on the lookout for more competition.

United are also watching Schalke 04's highly-rated keeper Manuel Neuer as they prepare for what could be Edwin van der Sar's final season.

Neuer, who is 23 and 6ft 4in, has one senior cap and starred in Germany's European Under-21 championship-winning side.

Patricio, 21, has emerged as an alternative and United will continue to monitor his form this season.

The 6ft 2in, Portuguese stopper comes straight out of the same school as Great Dane Peter Schmeichel - scoring with a header against FC Twente to put Sporting through to this season's Champions League knockout stages.

Although Fergie hung his hat on England keeper Foster, 26, being first choice, his highprofile errors against Chelsea in the Community Shield, Arsenal and Manchester City are causing concern.

source: http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/523279/Fergie-seeking-another-keeper.html