Foster is fit but Ferguson delays return

Foster's promising career with Manchester United was stopped in its tracks by a cruciate ligament problem that needed surgery on his right knee last summer.

But after the best part of a season on the sidelines, the 24-year-old is back and was desperate to play in United's reserve team against Liverpool at Warrington last night.

Sir Alex Ferguson decided to hold Foster back for another week before considering him for the next reserve game against Middlesbrough a week tomorrow.

Foster's return will be welcomed by England manager Fabio Capello, who has bemoaned the lack of young homegrown goalkeepers. He has only won one full England cap — against Spain a year ago — but many consider him to be the most promising of a new breed that also includes Aston Villa's Scott Carson, Wigan's Chris Kirkland and Manchester City's Joe Hart.

Foster joined United from Stoke in summer 2005, but built his reputation during two seasons on loan at Watford. He was due to be recalled by Ferguson for the start of this campaign and several senior United players made it known they would prefer him to be given his chance ahead of Edwin van der Sar.

Ferguson's plans for Foster are not yet clear, especially now Van der Sar has agreed to stay for another year at Old Trafford, but it is understood he will refuse to go on loan next season and now considers himself on the verge of a scrap with the Dutch international for the number one shirt.

A source close to Foster said recently: 'Ben feels he is at the age where he wants to stake his claim. His priority is getting fit, but he feels he is doing that. After that, he really wants to make a start on his career at United.'

Once Foster has proved his fitness, Tomasz Kuszczak will be loaned or sold.

United manager Ferguson has a new centre forward as his priority this summer and has told confidantes that Lyon striker Karim Benzema is definitely a target after his impressive display in the Champions League against them.

The 20-year-old French international has been on Ferguson's radar for some time and scored a superb goal as United drew 1-1 in Lyon last week.

Although Benzema would prefer to play in Italy or Spain were he to leave France, Ferguson has made discreet enquiries already and it is understood the player himself is now aware that United's interest is real.

Benzema is contracted to Lyon until 2012 and it would take a club record bid in excess of £30m to prise him away.

Ferguson has lost faith in current reserve striker Louis Saha and will sell the Frenchman if he can, although the problem would be persuading buyers the 29-year-old is fit enough to play regularly at the top level.

Ferguson continues to covet Tottenham's Bulgarian centre forward Dimitar Berbatov and will not be deterred by the fact that the Carling Cup winners are about to offer him a lucrative new contract at around £60,000 a week.