Manchester United face competition from Ajax in the race to sign Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos this summer, according to O Jogo (page 12).
The Red Devils are lining up a second-choice goalkeeper with Dean Henderson anticipated to join either Crystal Palace or Nottingham Forest before the transfer deadline.
Vlachodimos was first linked with United in the first half of last season, and it appears the club are now interested in signing him as a back-up option behind Andre Onana.
However, there are likely to face competition in the form of Ajax. The Dutch club are looking for a new keeper with Geronimo Rulli sidelined for three months with a dislocated shoulder.
Vlachodimos has been Benfica’s number one for the past five years, but his relationship with manager Roger Schmidt has broken down after his public criticism over his performances.
The Greek was missing from the matchday squad against Estrela Amadora yesterday. Samuel Soares started in goal while summer signing Anatoliy Trubin was on the bench.
Vlachodimos would be a quality acquisition
The 29-year-old has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers on the European stage. He was brilliant for Benfica en route to their run to the Champions League quarter-final last term.
Vlachodimos was rewarded with a new long-term contract due to his exceptional performances, but the scenario has completely changed this season with Schmidt looking into the future.
Hence, the Greek may want to pursue a fresh challenge after more than 200 appearances for Benfica.
He should be tempted to move to the Premier League with the Red Devils, but Ajax could provide stiff competition. He would be a starter for the Eredivisie giants at least in the short term.
It is left to be seen whether United can lure the shot-stopper. He currently has a staggering €60 million release clause on his contract, but Benfica are most likely to offload him on the cheap.
He is currently valued at €16m by Transfermarkt which is a fair price in our opinion. Vlachodimos would be a good signing for United with his good passing skills and superb reflexes between the sticks.
Last season, he had a save success rate of 73 per cent in the Portuguese top-flight and had a passing accuracy of more than 80 per cent. The 33-cap international kept an impressive 20 clean sheets.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
