By Chris O'Brien
August 18 2006

Tomasz Kuszczak has finally joined Manchester United, though the goalkeeper has only penned a one-year loan deal at Old Trafford. In return, United youngsters Luke Steele and Paul McShane move to West Bromwich Albion on a permanent basis.

Manchester United have finally agreed a deal with West Bromwich Albion to bring Tomasz Kuszczak to Old Trafford.

However, the 24-year-old has initially joined United on a season-long loan basis following a drawn-out saga of negotiations between the two clubs.

Sir Alex Ferguson has seen two bids for the Polish goalkeeper rejected by the Midlands outfit. Baggies boss Bryan Robson said United would have to offer him Giuseppe Rossi on loan for a year in addition to the £2.5million offer, but the two parties have now reached a compromise.

Kuszczak will spend the 2006/2007 campaign on loan at United, with the club hoping to make the deal permanent next summer. Meanwhile, United goalkeeper Luke Steele and defender Paul McShane have signed deals with the Championship outfit. It's a little dissappointing to see these two bright prospects leave the club without being given a genuine test of first-team football.

The 6'3 giant started his career with Hertha Berlin before moving to the Hawthorns in July 2004 on a free transfer. In that time, he has registered 35 appearances for the club and looks an assured stopper and an excellent prospect for the future.

Kuszczak's arrival has cleared the way for Ben Foster to complete his loan move to Watford. The youngster, tipped for a bright future with club and country, spent last season at Vicarage Road and performed superbly as the Hornets secured promotion to the Premiership. His return for a second spell was put on hold as United negotiated the Kuszczak, but the path is now seemingly clear for Foster to join the newly-promoted club.

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