Manchester United eyeing 10 million pound deal with Russian goalkeeper Akinfeev

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly keen on signing Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev during the January transfer window.

Ferguson is keen to recruit Akinfeev, as current goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is set to retire in May 2010 and there are growing doubts over Ben Foster.

Akinfeev is currently on a contract with CSKA Moscow, and has told CSKA that he wants to speak to United in the January transfer window, The Mirror reported. It is also said that CSKA has allowed Manchster United to have talks with the 10million pound-rated goalkeeper.

The 23-year-old broke into the CSKA starting lineup at the age of 17, and has been the first-choice goalkeeper at the club ever since, gathering various honours including a UEFA Cup, and two National Championships.

Akinfeev is also the vice-captain of CSKA, and has captained twice in Champions League matches against FC Porto and Hamburger SV in 2006. In his second Champions League campaign, he had a spell of 362 minutes prior to conceding a goal.