Denmark goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard will be eligible to play for Manchester United in January after completing his moving to the Premier League club.
United announced Saturday that the 26-year-old Lindegaard has left Aalesund on a 3 1/2-year deal. Financial details weren't disclosed.
Lindegaard, who has won four caps for Denmark, could be the long-term successor to Edwin van der Sar if the 40-year-old Dutchman retires as expected at the end of the season.
''Anders is one of the brightest young 'keepers in the game,'' United manager Alex Ferguson said on the club's website. ''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.
''Having the time to train with him before he is registered will be an important period for him - almost like a preseason to get him integrated with the other players.''
While Lindegaard can start training with his new teammates immediately, he can't play for United until the transfer window reopens in January.
''The club is such an institution in Denmark, it's an honor to come here,'' Lindegaard said. ''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.''
The current understudy to Van der Sar is Tomasz Kuszczak. The 28-year-old Pole has played only three times this season.
