United Complete Foster Transfer

By David Hobbs
July 19 2005

Manchester United have completed the signing of goalkeeper Ben Foster from Stoke City for an initial fee of £1 million that could rise up to £3 million.

Clauses such as future international appearances and first-team action for the Red Devils could be financially beneficial to the Potters but Foster is likely to go out on loan immediately.

The 22-year-old has attracted the interest of a number of Championship clubs including newcomers Sheffield Wednesday and Ferguson would be willing to let Foster gain some experience.

Fergie was impressed by Foster's loan performances for Wrexham last season, a club he follows closely as his son Darren plays at the Racecourse.

"I am very, very delighted," stated Foster. "The last ten days have been nerve racking, I think even after they made the bid I didn't want to believe it, but I am just delighted to get it over with.

"I met Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill at the training ground and obviously straight away you could see they had everything you could want.

"I am under no illusions about coming it is going to be easy, and that is why we have agreed that I will go on loan next season.

"We are not sure there are a few clubs and I think it will be known soon."

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]