Manchester United close in on Augsburg goalkeeper deal

Manchester United are closing in on a deal for highly rated Augsburg goalkeeper Dean Santangelo, according to the Daily Mail.

The 19-year-old - who was born in England, but raised in Switzerland - came through the ranks of Reading's Berkshire-based academy, before moving to Germany to try and revive his career in the Bundesliga.

Despite finding himself restricted to playing for Augsburg's B-team, Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to offer Santangelo a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Manchester United are willing to give the teen talent a chance to impress at Old Trafford, as other clubs from around the country look to take some of their other young goalkeepers on loan.

The news will undoubtedly add to growing speculation surrounding the future of Spanish stopper David De Gea, who has struggled to hold down the number one spot with the Premier League leaders, and is anticipated to return to his homeland in the summer of 2013.

With regards to speculation linking the youngster with a move to Old Trafford, Santangelo has been quoted saying: "My father got a call from Manchester United on Wednesday. This weekend I fly to England and will be there to sign a contract."