Big Soccer Deal - - Sir Alex Ferguson, Manager of Manchester United, Keen to Sign Russian Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev For 10Million Pound

LONDON - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly keen on signing Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev during the January transfer window.

Ferguson is keen to recruit Akinfeev, as current goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is set to retire in May 2010 and there are growing doubts over Ben Foster.

Akinfeev is currently on a contract with CSKA Moscow, and has told CSKA that he wants to speak to United in the January transfer window, The Mirror reported.

It is also said that CSKA has allowed Man U to have talks with the 10million pound-rated goalkeeper.

The 23-year-old broke into the CSKA starting lineup at the age of 17, and has been the first-choice goalkeeper at the club ever since, gathering various honours including a UEFA Cup, and two National Championships.

Akinfeev is also the vice-captain of CSKA, and has captained twice in Champions League matches against F.C. Porto and Hamburger SV in 2006.

In his second Champions League campaign, he had a spell of 362 minutes prior to conceding a goal.