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Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to ditch David de Gea – and buy a keeper in the transfer window.

Manchester United boss Ferguson has given the Spaniard every chance to fill the jersey at Old Trafford but doubts about his ability to handle the physical side are growing.

And the shrewd United chief has asked supremo David Gill and the club’s American owners to fund a buy for a genuine number one.

Ferguson is hurriedly looking round for a replacement at the right price and eligible to play in the Champions League.

De Gea and Anders Lindegaard have been chopped and changed this season but both have struggled to establish themselves.

United splashed out on De Gea when Fergie took a chance on his potential and brought him in from Atletico Madrid, but his fragility under pressure has not gone away.

(Image: Ben Hoskins)

De Gea is often targeted by the opposition when it comes to set pieces and high balls and his sheer lack of physique is a problem.

Ferguson’s spies have been checking on alternatives for weeks but now the United boss is in serious discussions with Gill and the Glazers about a kitty for a new man.

Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic is under review and even Liverpool’s Pepe Reina is a possibility. Both can play in Europe this season.

Begovic has been a giant for the Potters who do not want to sell. Reina’s future under Brendan Rodgers is less certain.

Loan move for Scott Wootton

Manchester United’s giant young centre half Scott Wootton is wanted on loan by struggling Bristol City.

Robins chief Derek McInnes has asked Sir Alex Ferguson to let him have the defender for the rest of the season to help his cause.

Wootton, about to sign a new deal at Old Trafford, is also a loan target for Blackburn Rovers but may play more with Bristol City.