Manchester United are in a hurry to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 11).
David de Gea has been United’s regular goalkeeper for the past 12 years, but he is now a free-agent after his contract expired on June 30.
United are planning face-to-face talks with him over a renewal, but there is no guarantee that he could be the first-choice keeper next term.
Inter CEO Beppe Marotta confirmed yesterday that United are interested in landing Onana, and the club are awaiting a bid in the coming days.
It is now reported that United are ‘in a hurry’ to sign the former Ajax man with pre-season about to start.
The Red Devils were expected to have a meeting with Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio on Friday, but unfortunately no talks were held.
Ausilio had to return early to Milan from Ibiza due to the transfer saga involving Marcelo Brozovic, but fresh talks are planned very soon.
Onana has already given the green light to the transfer. He is eager to reunite with manager Erik ten Hag and compete in the Premier League.
Inter have requested €50 million plus bonuses for the goalkeeper.
United aiming to sign Onana as soon as possible
Onana has established himself as one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers. Last season, he completed 78 per cent of his passes with six long balls per appearance.
The Cameroonian star also impressed with his high claims and mobility in the box. He has the ability to play as a sweeper-keeper when the situation requires him.
These are attributes that Ten Hag prefers in his goalkeeper. De Gea has been good with his reflexes, but his distribution has been far from impressive over the years.
Quite often, he has handed possession straight to the opposition with his long balls. He has also been vulnerable to conceding goals from shots outside the box.
Onana would be a big upgrade for United heading into next season. Ten Hag will be hoping that United secure his services ahead of the pre-season friendlies this month.
As things stand, Tom Heaton is the only senior goalkeeper available to the manager with De Gea’s contract having expired while Dean Henderson is not fit yet.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com