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.

As Chelsea go into the Christmas programme with a five-point lead in the Barclays Premiership and a squad containing two proven performers between the posts, Arsenal and Manchester United have felt compelled to make preliminary inquiries about the Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper and are believed to be prepared to firm their interest in the Finn. He is likely to cost the winner up to £4 million.

Irritated by costly lapses, Ferguson and Wenger have grown impatient at the performances of their respective goalkeepers in recent weeks and have made signing a replacement one of their priorities during the transfer window, which opens on a week on Saturday.

Their move underlines just how much both have missed the security once provided by their long-serving goalkeepers, David Seaman at Highbury and Peter Schmeichel at Old Trafford. Since Schmeichel left United five years ago, Ferguson has tried nine alternatives, while Arsenal have introduced three since Seaman left the club 18 months ago.

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.

Since signing for Bolton seven years ago for £100,000 from VPS Vaasa, the Finnish club, Jaaskelainen has gained a reputation as a goalkeeper better able to cope with much of the aerial demands faced in the Premiership. He has been linked with several top clubs and is one of a number of options that Ferguson and Wenger are considering.

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.

Wenger has been keen on Antti Niemi and it is thought that Harry Redknapp could be persuaded to sell Southampton’s prized asset, even though the newly appointed manager said that cashing in on Niemi was not an option as he faces up to a relegation fight.

Niemi joined Southampton from Heart of Midlothian for £2 million two years ago and signed a new four-year contract in the summer. He has also attracted the interest of Newcastle United, who fear that Shay Given may want to leave.

That all but one of the four English clubs through to the last 16 of the European Cup cannot settle on a first-choice No 1 can only add to the insecurity of their goalkeepers. Jens Lehmann topped virtually every goalkeeping statistic last season, but his mistakes in high-profile matches — such as the European Cup quarter- final against Chelsea — often proved costly.

Despite Lehmann’s role in helping Arsenal to set a record 49-match unbeaten league run, Wenger finally lost patience with the German this month and relegated him to the bench in favour of Manuel Almunia. Several of the influential outfield players at Highbury are also believed to have lost faith in Lehmann, who is thought to be hardly on speaking terms with his replacement.

That Almunia, who was loaned out to three clubs during his time at Celta Vigo, has proved as unconvincing as Lehmann has not changed Wenger’s mind. The Spaniard let in a soft goal after just 18 seconds that led to defeat in the Carling Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at Old Trafford and has demonstrated a worrying flaw in his handling.

Roy Carroll has been given an extended run by United primarily because of Tim Howard’s poor form, prompting Ferguson to describe the Northern Ireland goalkeeper as the most improved player at the club. But his long-term prospects remain unclear, with United reluctant to offer more than a one-year extension to his contract. Carroll is seeking a longer deal, but his agent believes he will stay at Old Trafford.

KEEPING TRACK

JUSSI JAASKELAINEN Bolton Wanderers: played 17 games this season, conceded 23 goals
TIM HOWARD Manchester United: played 12, conceded 11
ROY CARROLL Manchester United: played 17, conceded 12
MANUEL ALMUNIA Arsenal: played 7, conceded 6
JENS LEHMANN Arsenal: played 17, conceded 25