Fergie denies Afinkeev move

Alex Ferguson has denied he will make a January bid for CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

The Manchester United manager is a long-standing admirer of the Russian international, who turned in two impressive displays against the Red Devils during the current Champions League group phase.

Ferguson’s subsequent praise of Akinfeev and doubts over the ability of Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak to replace Edwin van der Sar when the veteran Dutchman eventually calls time on his career only fuelled rumours a big-money move for the keeper was imminent.

However, in his programme notes ahead of tonight’s Old Trafford encounter with Besiktas, Ferguson has reiterated his belief in the qualities of both Foster and Kuszczak and insisted reports of move for Akinfeev are wide of the mark.

“I told you to watch out for him (Akinfeev) and he was fantastic as I expected,” Ferguson told United Review.

“He is athletic, powerful and distributed well.

“Having said that, don’t go rushing to conclusions. I know there have been rumours that we are interested in trying to sign him but that is not true.

“He is a great goalkeeper but I am very happy with our goalkeeping strength - from the senior ranks down to some bright lads coming through the ranks.”