Manchester United has contacted Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana to express their interest in signing him.
The Red Devils are preparing to say farewell to current goalkeeper David de Gea at the end of June, with his 12-year contract set to expire due to a lack of agreement on a new deal. De Gea might still sign a new contract, but manager Erik ten Hag is being proactive in his search for a new first-choice goalkeeper.
Onana, 27, was nominated after working with Ten Hag throughout his four-and-a-half-year tenure at Ajax. United appears to be ready to make a move, as he appears to be at ease with the ball at his feet and is familiar with the Dutchman’s system.
According to the Mail, Old Trafford officials have contacted the Cameroonian but have been met with Inter’s £50 million asking price. Onana has only been with Inter for one season, albeit a spectacular one, but the potential of reuniting with Ten Hag may be enough to tempt him away from San Siro.
The 27-year-old made the most saves in the Champions League this season, enabling the Nerazzurri to reach the final while also helping Inter win the Coppa Italia. Despite finishing third in Serie A and qualifying for the Champions League next season, the Italian heavyweights remain financially troubled.
Selling Onana to United may relieve significant pressure on the board, with Chelsea also expressing interest. Even if De Gea, 32, signs a new deal, Ten Hag may try to bring in a new goalkeeper to challenge him.
Over the winter, there was optimism that the long-serving United goalkeeper would agree to a big wage cut in order to remain at Old Trafford. “I’m very relaxed,” De Gea said in January to the Manchester Evening News. “I’m just going to focus on training and doing my best.” But, without a doubt, it will end well.”
When asked if he wanted to finish his career with the Red Devils, the 32-year-old said, “I hope so.” I was repeating that this is my club, that I’ve been here for many, many years, that it’s an honor to be here, and that I’m so pleased here.”
Following United’s refusal to automatically extend De Gea’s £375,000-a-week contract until 2024, Ten Hag stated that he wants his shot-stopper to stay at the club, despite a string of disappointing performances late in the season. “I think we want him to stay and he wants to stay, so I think we’ll find each other,” the Red Devils manager said.
Ten Hag’s other alternatives if De Gea leaves are Porto’s Diogo Costa, Everton’s Jordan Pickford, and Brentford’s David Raya.