Gill: "Kuszczak will Sign Permanently"

David Gill
By Chris O'Brien
August 18 2006

United chief executive David Gill has told supporters that Tomasz Kuszczak will join the club permanently next summer. The Polish goalkeeper has arrived at Old Trafford on a season-long loan deal, but Gill has confirmed that the player is ready to pen a four-year deal next summer.

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has confirmed that Tomasz Kuszczak will sign for the club on a permanent basis in July 2007.

The Polish goalkeeper has joined United, perhaps surprisingly, on a season-long loan basis following weeks of negotiations with West Bromwich Albion. However, Gill has made it clear that the Red Devils are not a club generally interested in loan deals, and that the player will sign a four-year contract next summer.

"He has come to us on loan for the first year and then will join us permanently in July 2007," said Gill.

"We would not have been interested in signing any player, even as one as good as Tomasz, on loan. We would hope Tomasz remains a Manchester United player for many years to come."

Kuszczak will spend his first season with United warming the bench as understudy to Edwin Van Der Sar. Meanwhile, Ben Foster, a goalkeeper with excellent England prospects, is set to join Watford for a second loan spell. Both goalkeepers could face a battle for the number one jersey in the future, with United's current Dutch custodian expected to hang up his gloves in two seasons time.