Man Utd make 'concrete' approach for Serie A star as Ten Hag gives green light for move Chris Byfield
Manchester United have made a “concrete” approach for a new goalkeeper despite a breakthrough in David De Gea’s contract talks, it has been claimed.
ESPN reported on Monday that United are closing in on an agreement with David De Gea over a new contract. The goalkeeper is approaching the end of his current deal and could leave Old Trafford for free at the end of the season.
However United allegedly believe they are close to an agreement with De Gea that would see the Spaniard take a cut in his basic wage but be offered larger performance-related incentives.
While most of the terms have reportedly been finalised, talks are ongoing about how the contract is structured.
Though there is confidence the club will agree to fresh terms with 32-year-old, United have been tipped to dip into the market and attempt to sign André Onana.
Onana to Man Utd?
Italian publication Corriere dello Sport claimed United are pursuing Inter Milan’s Onana, with the Serie A side reportedly wanting “no less than €40million (£35million)’ for the Cameroonian.
Indeed, Inter need to make a big sale in the summer to balance the books, and while Denzel Dumfries was initially the player tipped to generate a hefty transfer fee, the right-back’s stock has dropped considerably in recent months.
In turn, the logical outgoing would be Onana, who arrived at the club on a free and would generate a great profit.
The Italian publication claim United have moved in the “most concrete way in the wake of Ten Hag’s indications”.
Of course, the Dutchman knows the 27-year-old well from their time together at Ajax, and according to Corriere dello Sport, he has “expressed a desire to change” from David de Gea.
Ten Hag is said to want a goalkeeper better able to “play with the ball at his feet”.
While nothing is said to be advanced at this stage, the “next few weeks” will determine United's goalkeeping plans.
Indeed, Onana could allegedly arrive at Old Trafford even if De Gea signs a contract extension, to allow a more seamless transition between the sticks.