Sir Alex Ferguson hails Joe Hart as best English keeper for 20 years

Manchester United supremo Sir Alex Ferguson today hailed Shropshire's Joe Hart as England's best goalkeeper for 20 years – and claimed he could have signed the former Shrewsbury Town star for £100,000.

Despite Hart being a regular fixture in the starting line-up of near neighbours and Premier League title rivals Manchester City, the Manchester United boss is a huge admirer of England's No 1 goalkeeper.

United were amongst a clutch of clubs keeping tabs on Hart before he signed for City from Shrewsbury Town for an eventual £1.5m in the summer of 2006.

And, while it is understood a deal was never close to completion, Ferguson claims in a wide-ranging interview to be broadcast on Radio Five Live tonight that he could have lured Hart to Old Trafford.

"I could have bought Joe Hart for £100,000 so we all make mistakes," said Ferguson.

The Old Trafford chief labelled Hart as England's biggest goalkeeping talent since Peter Shilton.

"If you look at the England goalkeeper situation for the last 20 years, I would think he's easily the best."

See also:

• Ex-Shrewsbury Town star Joe at Hart of drama

• Joe Hart enjoys England’s unbeaten 2011