Manchester United have decided they want David de Gea to replace Edwin van der Sar as their first choice goalkeeper.
The move for a 20-year-old will be seen as a huge gamble, but United scouts and coaching staff are convinced the Atletico Madrid star can handle the responsibility.
Sir Alex Ferguson has watched De Gea extensively over the past year and hopes a £15million deal can be finalised quickly, and goalkeeping coach Eric Steele is laying the groundwork for his arrival by taking Spanish lessons.
Van der Sar, 40, reiterated his intention to quit at the end of this season after starring in the FA Cup win over Arsenal on Saturday, but United hope the multi-lingual Dutchman will take up a coaching role and help smooth the transition for his successor and new No 2 Anders Lindegaard.
United have studied various candidates to replace Van der Sar, with Schalke's Manuel Neuer, Julio Cesar of Inter Milan and Ajax keeper Maarten Stekelenburg all coming under consideration.
However, De Gea has similar - if not better - qualities plus age on his side. At 6ft 3½in he is very much part of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque's plans, despite the presence of Iker Casillas and Liverpool's Pepe Reina.
Ferguson is looking at making additions to his squad this summer and is determined to invest in youth to ensure the club benefit from his legacy long after he retires.
The United boss regrets not signing Van der Sar straight after Peter Schmeichel left Old Trafford in 1999. His old rival Arsene Wenger warned that United will be weaker without the Dutchman, regardless of who they sign, after seeing him produce a string of outstanding saves in Arsenal's 2-0 defeat.
Wenger said: 'Van der Sar is one of the best in the world. If United have him in goal at 40 years of age, no matter who they buy next season they will feel the difference because not only does he have exceptional experience, he has exceptional talent.'
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