Source: SKY_Sports
Foster handed four-year deal
Manchester United have handed a new four-year contract to goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Foster, who is close to returning following two months on the sidelines after undergoing thumb surgery, has committed his future to the Old Trafford club until 2013.
The emerging England international is seen by the Red Devils as the long-term successor to established No.1 Edwin van der Sar.
With the former Holland international approaching the latter stages of his career, Foster is well placed to make the step up into the first team.
Signed from Stoke in July 2005, Foster emerged as a United favourite with his penalty shoot-out heroics in March's Carling Cup final victory over Tottenham.
He told the club's official website: "I'm really 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 boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that he expected Foster to eventually become the first-choice shot-stopper with the Premier League champions.
He added: "We are delighted that Ben has signed a new four-year deal.
"Ben is seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in England and we genuinely see him as a successor to Edwin Van Der Sar."
