CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is set to join Manchester United next summer if Edwin van der Sar finally hangs up his gloves.
Holland veteran Van der Sar will decide in December whether he will seek a new contract, but has already said this season is likely to be his last.
Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson said last year that the 38-year-old would not continue beyond 2010 and is ready to make Akinfeev his new No 1 after an unimpressive audition by Ben Foster this season.
Safe hands: Igor Akinfeev has caught the eye for CSKA Moscow
At 6ft 1in, his lack of height could be problematic and there are criticisms that he is not physically imposing enough in the box.
