The Times believes that we will bid next month:
‘Two managers who have locked horns over the past eight years on many issues, most recently at the infamous “Battle of the Buffet” at Old Trafford in October, are about to go head to head once again. Nine days before the transfer window opens, Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson are beginning a tug-of-war for Jussi Jaaskelainen.
‘Jaaskelainen, 29, has so far refused to sign a new four-year deal, offered by Bolton in September, because he is unhappy with only a modest improvement in his terms. He has 2½ years left on his contract and has also attracted interest from Middlesbrough and Fulham, whose goalkeepers have stalled on signing new deals.
‘Ferguson has also inquired about Brad Friedel, of Blackburn Rovers, and has been linked with Sebastien Frey, of Parma, and Carlo Cudicini, but the Chelsea No 2 is highly unlikely to be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge until the summer.’
However The Guardian predict a summer move:
‘Arsenal and Manchester United have inquired about the Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. The clubs are considering the 29-year-old Finland international among several candidates for that position.
‘Their interest remains at a preliminary stage and any formal offer would be much more likely come in the summer. Bolton would demand a particularly high price for Jaaskelainen mid-season and Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out buying a keeper now, with Arsène Wenger making similar noises.
‘Ferguson is keeping his options open as he decides whether he needs to replace Roy Carroll, his current first choice, and Tim Howard. Carroll has played relatively few first-team games and Ferguson is still assessing him.’