Sir Alex Ferguson confirms Ben Foster is future Manchester United No.1

Ben Foster has been told he will take over from Edwin Van der Sar as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper.

Foster yesterday signed a four-year contract extension worth £40,000 a week that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2013.

And United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed he plans to install Foster as United's No.1 when van der Sar - in the final year of his contract - calls it a day.

Although the Dutchman, who turns 39 in October, has yet to confirm his future plans, it is understood this season will be his last for the club.

Fergie, who plans to use 26-year-old Foster more regularly next season, said: "We're delighted Ben has signed a new four-year deal.

"He is seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in England and we genuinely see him as a successor to Edwin."

Foster, who has been restricted to just 10 appearances for United in four years because of a series of injuries, said: "I'm happy to commit my future to the club.

"The team spirit here is fantastic and working alongside Edwin and Tomasz Kuszczak has been a great influence on my career."

United are also poised to complete the £3million signing of Bordeaux winger Gabriel Obertan after the 21year-old underwent a medical yesterday at Carrington.

The France Under-21 midfielder, who can play on both wings, is expected to sign a four-year deal and will go on United's pre-season tour of the Far East a week today.

One United player not going on the two-week trip is striker Danny Welbeck who will stay behind in Manchester as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Barcelona are willing to sell Yaya Toure to United for £20m - but only if they succeed in landing Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

United boss Fergie is in the market for a holding midfielder with major doubts over whether Owen Hargreaves will make a full recovery following surgery on both knees.

Fergie has identified Toure, whose qualities he saw firsthand when Barcelona beat United in last season's Champions League final, as the man to fill the void left by Hargreaves.

Get player videos and transfer news round-ups on the Football Spy blog .

FREE £25 BET WITH BETFAIR

Win top spec footy boots