This season still has two more months remaining yet the transfer gossip in the football media is already starting to be churned out and as always Manchester United is at the forefront of such stories. In possible movements around Old Trafford goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is being linked with a possible switch to Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
The 27-year old Poland international has struggled for first-team action at Old Trafford with Edwin Van der Sar continuing to occupy the number one spot in Sir Alex Ferguson‘s plans. With Ben Foster also waiting in the wings to become number one when the Dutch custodian calls it a day, it appears that Kuszczak could be ready to jump ship in search of regular first team action.
Villa boss Martin O’Neill has reportedly targeted the Polish keeper as a long term replacement for current number one Brad Friedel who turns 39 in May. Kuszczac would however still have to fight it out with Brad Guzan for the number one jersey at Villa Park if he made the move.
As Kuszczak contemplates a move away from United two exciting prospects on Merseyside could be on their way to Carrington as Everton face a predicted battle to keep hold of Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling in the summer.
Manager David Moyes has stated his desire to retain the services of both his talented youngsters but United’s interest may prove too strong for the Goodison Park outfit to resist. It has been suggested United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will test Moyes’ resolve with a £20million double bid.
Teenagers Gosling and Rodwell are already being tipped as future England internationals with Everton likely to demand a much bigger fee for the pair who have already impressed in the Premier League.
Meanwhile reports in Italy claim that Ferguson has reignited his interest in 27 year old Roma centre back Phillipe Mexes who he tried to sign from Auxerre back in 2003. The Frenchman however appears to be well settled in Rome and the rumour may have more to do with his contract renegotiations as his current deal expires in 2011.
United are also being linked with moves for Napoli’s 22 year old midfielder Marek Hamsik. Scout David Williams has been keeping close tabs on him for Ferguson who is on the lookout for an all action attacking midfielder.
With Paul Scholes likely to call it a day soon and Anderson having failed to emerge as a consistent performer before his injury the Slovakian has been watched several times and would cost between £15 and 20million to bring to Old Trafford
Which of the two reserve keepers would you like to see remain at Old Trafford?
I’d rather keep Kuszczak than Foster. But at the same time, I don’t feel like any one of them could fill Van der Sar’s boots. But since they are both pretty young for being goalkeepers they can still develop. If we’re discussing goalkeepers I’d really like to see us sign Akinfeev but maybe he is also too inexperienced and we should look on more experienced keepers. But Akinfeev has impressed a lot already, both in the Euros and Champions League, and he is young, so I think he has what it takes to cut it at United.