Fergie plays down Akinfeev rumours

Sir Alex Ferguson has played down rumours linking Manchester United with a move for highly rated CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Ferguson will get a close look at the Russia international in action on Wednesday when his United side take on CSKA in the Champions League.

The 23-year-old has established himself as one of Europe's leading goalkeepers over the last year and reports in Russia suggest the Red Devils are leading the chase to sign the shot-stopper.

However, Ferguson was quick to point out that when 38-year-old Edwin Van der Sar did decide to retire then Ben Foster, whose performances in the Dutchman's absence this term have been heavily scrutinised, and Tomasz Kuszczak were more than capable of taking his place.

"I can't deal with rumour because we have two very good young goalkeepers at the club at the moment in Kuszczak and Foster and the future lies with them," he said.

"When Edwin Van der Sar finally decides to retire I'm quite confident these players can take over."