Manchester United is said to have opened talks with Sporting Lisbon for the transfer of goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

According to The Mirror, Sir Alex Ferguson had made Patricio as a new target, to replace Edwin van der Sar who will retire at the end of this season.

Fergie had tried to persuade Van der Sar to stay but the Dutch goalkeeper refused.

Fergie watched Patricio since 2009, but only now he wants to sign him. He seemed to wait Patricio to develop first, because at the time he was only 22 years old.

Patricio is now 24 years old, and his price is not too expensive, around £6 million. The  Red Devils management would not mind investing that much to get a young goalkeeper.

Sporting Lisbon, according to British press, seems to ask for more than £6 million and an agreement will be reached in the near future.