United swoop for young stopper

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has wasted little time in beginning the rebuilding process at Old Trafford for next season by swooping to sign young goalkeeper Luke Steele from Peterborough.

The England Under-18 international has signed a four-year deal for an initial fee of £500,000, rising to £2.25million.

Steele spent a month on loan at Old Trafford earlier in the season and figured for the Red Devils in two reserve games.

Peterborough boss Barry Fry told the club’s official website www.theposh.com: ‘‘I have had several conversations with Sir Alex Ferguson and I visited their training headquarters in Carrington three weeks ago and spent three hours with him.

‘‘However, it took us less than five minutes to sort the transfer out and it was a pleasure and a privilege to do business with such a fantastic club and arguably the greatest manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson.

‘‘Luke has been at this football club from the age of nine and has played at every level.

‘‘I have watched him develop in the six years I have been here. He has got fantastic potential and he is the best goalkeeping prospect I have ever seen at the age of 17.’’