The Scot has been on a search to replace the retiring Edwin van der Sar, whose last appearance in United colours will be in Saturday's UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona.

Ferguson said the 20-year-old Spaniard would be an excellent replacement for van der Sar, in a deal believed to be worth about 21 million euros.

"We've been working on it for quite a while. We identified him a while back as one we should go for," Ferguson told Sky Sports on Tuesday.

"He's a young goalkeeper, very quick with good composure and presence. He's an outstanding replacement for Edwin van der Sar."

"We were looking for someone with the same types of qualifies. One great quality Edwin always had was his composure and organisational ability."

"David de Gea is very similar that way."