United line up Bosnich signing

Manchester United are expected to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Mark Bosnich from Aston Villa by next week.

Bosnich can move for free from Villa under the Bosman ruling at the end of his contract in June and he has been lined up as the replacement wanted by the new European champions for Dane Peter Schmeichel who is expected to join AS Roma in the summer on a two year deal.

Bosnich was a former United player as a teenager but quit the club and English football to return to his native Australia with his girlfriend. He returned two years later to be given his chance in the top division by Aston Villa and has played for them for seven years. He is a goo friend of former Villa star Dwight Yorke and United have been favourites to sign him after the 28 year old failed to sign a new contract late last year to keep him with Villa.

The Midlands club dropped the goalkeeper from their league visit last month to Old Trafford amid accusations about the player's attitude and discipline and Bosnich has soured any good relations he had with his club. United were concerned about the player's wage demands of £45,000 a week but it is thought the Australian international has lowered his pay demands into the existing United pay scale to seal the move in an initial four year deal.