Manchester United have agreed a three-and-a-half year deal with Aalesunds FK to sign Danish international goalkeeper Anders Lindergaard for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old passed a medical at Manchester and has agreed personal terms with the club. He will train with United throughout December yet will not be able to feature until the January transfer window opens in 2011.

Sir Alex Ferguson feels that the Dane is a promising signing for United, and indicated that Lindergaard is part of his future plans for the club.

“Anders is one of the brightest young keepers in the game. The challenge at Manchester United is always to look to the future and in Anders, we have signed a goalkeeper of great presence and even more promise,” Ferguson told the club’s official website.

“Having the time to train with him before he is registered will be an important period for him – almost like a pre-season to get him integrated with the other players.”

Lindergaard is clearly thrilled with the move, claiming that Manchester United are giants in Denmark and that it is an honour for him to make the switch.

“Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me,” said the 26-year-old.

“The Club is such an institution in Denmark, it’s an honour to come here.

“I’m looking forward to playing and training alongside some of the great players in football today.

“I can’t wait to be part of this team and to make my contribution to keeping the team at the top of the game.”

Perhaps he’ll follow in the illustrious footsteps of another  Danish goalkeeper who became a legend at Old Trafford – Peter Schmeichel.