Silvio Proto to MUFC?

Young Keeper Scouted
By Chris O'Brien
February 18 2005

Rumours suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson has sent out scouts to watch Silvio Proto. The 21-year-old is one of Europe's young goalkeeping talents and has impressed at Belgian outfit La Louviere this term.

Reports suggest Manchester United will join Arsenal in a transfer tussle to bring the young Belgian goalkeeper to the Premiership.

Proto has captured the headlines in Belgium for a string of impressive performances for his club, La Louviere. Top clubs across Europe are now believed to be scouting the 21-year-old and Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be keeping a close eye on his progress. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Fiorentina and Paris St Germain are all said to be interested in making an approach.

"The interest in me doesn't worry me at all." said Proto, who won't move unless guaranteed first-team football.

"However, I would sooner join a big club in Belgium and play regular first-team football, rather than go to a prestigious foreign side and sit on the bench, but no Belgian clubs have come in for me."

United's 'keeper headache has not gone unreported. Roy Carroll has showed consistency but has been prone to the odd mistake, and his howler with 'the goal that never was' at home to Spurs showed his weak positioning ability. Meanwhile, Tim Howard has struggled to find the form that his early performances promised and he is an error-prone shot stopper. Fans want a 'keeper who can fill the void in the Red Devils side left when Peter Schmeichel departed Old Trafford.