Fergie rules out Akinfeev raid

United boss quashes keeper rumours

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 25th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fergie rules out Akinfeev raid

Akinfeev: Highly rated

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Sir Alex Ferguson claims he has no plans to make a New Year approach for CSKA Moscow keeper Igor Akinfeev.

The Manchester United boss is known to be a long-standing admirer of the Russia international, who raised his profile with two impressive displays against the Red Devils during the UEFA Champions League group phase.

Speculation is rife that United will look to bolster their goalkeeping options during the January transfer window, with doubts persisting over the ability of Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak to step into Edwin van der Sar's boots when the veteran Dutchman hangs up his gloves.

Ferguson, though, is adamant that his two back-up shot-stoppers have the potential to claim the No.1 jersey and insists reports linking him with a move for Akinfeev are wide of the mark.

"I told you to watch out for him (Akinfeev) and he was fantastic as I expected," Ferguson told United Review.

"He is athletic, powerful and distributed well.

"Having said that, don't go rushing to conclusions. I know there have been rumours that we are interested in trying to sign him but that is not true.

"He is a great goalkeeper but I am very happy with our goalkeeping strength - from the senior ranks down to some bright lads coming through the ranks."