England goalkeeper Ben Foster has admitted that he needs to leave Manchester United this summer to secure regular first-team football.

The 27-year-old is third-choice with the Red Devils and has made just one appearance since the turn of the year for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, with Foster accepting that his World Cup hopes are in tatters.

He told the Manchester Evening News:"You never want to leave Manchester United. If you leave this club you are only ever going to go down.

"But I want to be playing football. I am not interested in just hanging around and I would go if the club wanted to sell me.

"If they are happy to accept a bid, then you have to read between the lines and realise you are not really needed and move on. It would not be the end of the world for me."

Of his immediate international prospects, Foster added:"I don't think there is any chance of South Africa now.

"If he (Fabio Capello) were to pick me it would be very unfair on some of the other goalkeepers.

"I have not played a first-team game for a good few months and some of the English lads out there like Joe Hart and Robert Green have been doing fantastic."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email