Igor Akinfeev
A report in The Sun today claims "Manchester United are eyeing Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev as they prepare for life after Edwin van der Sar. Manager Alex Ferguson has already started planning for the Dutchman's retirement - and CSKA Moscow's Akinfeev is one of his options."
The tabloid adds: "He has been on the radar of a number of Europe's top teams and Fergie does not want United to miss out."
This is the second top class young goalkeeper that United have been linked with in the last month following rumours that Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in Schalke’s Manuel Neuer.
Akinfeev, 23, has established himself as the first choice goalkeeper for Russia after breaking into the CSKA Moscow team in 2004. He has played 34 times for the national team and played the full 90 minutes in the 3-0 win over Liechtenstein on Saturday.
The 6.1ft custodian also played all five of Russia’s five matches at Euro 2008. IMScouting’s network of scouts in Russia describe Akinfeev as "self-confident but emotional. A great goalkeeper who has everything to play for a top club in Europe."
Video evidence of Igor Akinfeev in action can be seen on the video below.