Van der Sar Expected to Complete Move

By David Hobbs
June 5 2005

Manchester United are expected to complete the signing of Fulham goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar next week, according to the player's agent Rob Jansen.

The Red Devils have been on the look out for a goalkeeper to fill the boots of Roy Carroll after the Northern Ireland shot-stopper was released two weeks ago and seem to have settled on van der Sar, amid rumours linking Antti Niemi, Shay Given and Paul Robinson to Old Trafford.

The 34-year-old recently won his 100th cap for Holland against Romania in a World Cup qualifying fixture, playing with soon-to-be club team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Van der Sar, towering over 6ft 5in tall, arrived at Craven Cottage from Juventus in 2000 for £7 million and is expected to ink a deal at Old Trafford after Oranje's qualifying game with Finland on Wednesday.

Agent Rob Jansen said: "The deal is done in principal, It will be finalised in a week.

"Edwin is very happy, it is an honour for him to play for a club like United."

Tim Howard, who recently penned a new contract, will now be dropped in favour of van der Sar.

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]