WITH Fabien Barthez adding one too many notches to his corrugated bedpost of errors, Manchester United look set to splash out on a new 'keeper in the summer. ManchesterOnline's Jon Barbuti takes a look at the contenders to be the Reds' new number one.

Roy Carroll ' Bought as one for the future, Carroll's time could be now if Fergie decides the 25-year-old has progressed enough to be handed the hailed Old Trafford number one shirt.

Rated as the best young 'keeper in the Nationwide League when snapped up from Wigan, he is now at a stage in his career where he must either step up to the next level, move on, or become the new Rai van der Gouw. His fate, though, is somewhat out of his own hands. If Fergie splashes the cash, then his steady form this season will not be enough to save him from a spell in the stiffs.

Paul Robinson ' A spell house-hunting in London was seen as evidence of a future move to Arsenal, but United could wreck the Gunners' plans by making a move for England's future number one.

With the Leeds jumble sale set to rumble on until everyone bar the janitor, tea lady and Paul Okon is sold off, Robinson looks set to leave for a fraction of his true value. United, who might feel they spent over the odds for former Elland Roader Rio Ferdinand, could feel it's their duty to cash in on their rivals' discomfort.

Rustu Recber ' Though heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, Recber might be a bit close to the current incumbent Barthez for Fergie's liking.

Recber has two types of performance. The blinder where he flies to keep every shot out, defending his goal like a gazelle on a trampoline, or the 'mare, of which the less said, the better. Having splashed out '7.8 million on a 'keeper with the same traits, the United boss might go for someone a bit more reliable such as'

David James ' Only joking about the reliability. The most frustrating 'keeper in England, James would be unlikely to move to a club where every error, and we all know they'd be plenty of them, would be splashed mercilessly over the back pages.

James could and probably should be England's number one. He's imposing, a brilliant shot stopper and can be commanding on crosses, it's just a shame about those moments of madness.

Antti Niemi ' Brad Friedel's main rival for the crown of Premiership 'keeper of the year, Niemi has been the backbone to an outstanding season for Southampton.

After a couple of years spent mainly on the bench at Rangers, Niemi shone at Hearts and has fully justified Gordon Strachan's decision to spend '2 million to bring him south of the border.

Southampton would be an unwilling seller, but with a quality deputy in Paul Jones might accept a hefty bid for the Finnish international.

Though a touch on the short side for a top class 'keeper at 6'1', Niemi's punching ability means he is reliable on crosses, but it is at shot stopping that he really excels.

Brad Friedel ' Antti Niemi's main rival for the crown on Premiership 'keeper of the year (I'm getting d'j' vu here ' Ed), Friedel has sparked interest from the big clubs with a series of man-of-the-match performances.

Like a little Dutch boy with fingers plunged deep into the holes in the local village dam, Friedel has single-handedly held a porous defence together. His calmness under pressure and confidence are sure to have impressed Fergie and if the United manager believes the former Liverpool stopper can handle a big-club atmosphere he may decide the affable American is his man.

Should United sign the 'trampolining gazelle', the 'little Dutch boy' or someone else? Have your say.

Tweet