Lindegaard claims United interest

DENMARK’s goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has confirmed that Manchester United are considering signing him to replace Edwin van der Sar who is expected to retire at the end of the season.

Eric Steele, United’s goalkeeping coach, travelled to Norway this month to watch Lindegaard play for the Norwegian club Aalesund. It was the fifth time Steele had been to see him in action.

“There are a lot of rumours in the press about the clubs interested in me, but some of them are actually quite accurate. And yes, it is Manchester United,” said Lindegaard. “I know there is interest from United – it is not just coming from the press.”

Elsewhere yesterday, Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg also wants to be van der Sar’s successor at United.

The Holland stopper impressed during last summer’s World Cup and his contract with the Amsterdam giants expires in 2012.

The Dutchman said: “That is a club where everyone wants to play. If Jol said he is aware of the interest, I will take notice.”

Stekelenburg will not sign a new deal at the Amsterdam Arena and has stated that if the club want a transfer fee from him, they must sell him soon.

But despite declaring his desire to leave, the 28-year-old has no interest in a mid-season switch.

He added: “No it won’t happen. If you look at my contract it has only one year left after this season.

“Ajax want money for me and I have no problem with that. Financially, it would be the most interesting to sell me this summer.

“I won’t leave this winter break. I started this season at Ajax to battle for the title and the Champions League adventure and I want to be there until the end.”