Man Utd transfers: Major signing ‘due Friday’ as Ibiza talks clear Ten Hag to land world-class €50m-rated superstar
Andre Onana of Inter Milan is a Manchester United transfer target
Manchester United are hopeful of completing the signing of Andre Onana from Inter Milan before the end of the week – with talks over a deal rapidly progressing, per a report.
The Red Devils enjoyed an excellent first season under the guidance of Erik ten Hag. Reaching two cup finals – and winning the Carabao Cup – marked a significant improvement for United from the previous year. However, finishing third in the Premier League – thus qualifying for next season’s Champions League – was the real fillip for United.
As a result, the club can now attract a better quality of player as they look to make further inroads on Manchester City’s dominance. To that end, Ten Hag – despite having his hands tied amid the delay on their prospective takeover – is chasing several quality upgrades.
Indeed, talks over deals for Mason Mount are progressing slowly, despite Chelsea’s high demands leaving United in a sticky situation.
United too are also seeking a new striker, with Fabrizio Romano providing an update on the Harry Kane saga.
Before either of those deals are finalised, however, United could well find themselves landing a new, top-class goalkeeper.
The situation over David De Gea remains a major question mark for United. His deal is due to expire in a matter of days. And with a new deal still unsigned, he could walk away as a free agent come Saturday.
United are willing to extend his stay, though on significantly-reduced terms. Furthermore, their interest in a would-be replacement appears to be holding up De Gea’s possible renewal.
To that end, United’s interest in Inter keeper Onana is well documented.
READ MORE: Man Utd swat Chelsea aside as Ten Hag ‘agrees deal’ for outstanding Inter star
Man Utd ‘can agree Andre Onana deal by Friday’
And it was revealed on Tuesday the Nerazzurri would be in no position to reject United were a big offer to be tabled.
Now reports in Italy have provided further details on United’s interest in the Cameroon international. And it seems the deal is much further along that previously indicated.
Indeed, per il Gazzetta dello Sport, United can close out the deal by Friday of this week. Indeed, they state the two clubs now have ‘agreed on tight timing to close the deal’ following talks on Tuesday in Ibiza.
That is where they claim United’s director of football operations David Harrison met with Inter sporting director Piero Ausilo to discuss the inner workings of the deal.
They state Inter made clear their demands of a €50m (£43.2m) fee, plus bonuses, to sell the 27-year-old to United. Furthermore, they want United to confirm their intentions before the end of this week. Failure to do so will see Inter opening negotiations with other possible suitors for Onana, of which Chelsea are one.
However, should United meet Inter’s demands, il Gazzetta claims the deal will then ‘close almost immediately’. They also suggest Onana is very much open to the move to Old Trafford. Regarded as a world-class goalkeeper, Onana thrived under Ten Hag during their time together at Ajax. And he’s reportedly very much keen on a reunion with him in Manchester.
De Gea era over with Man Utd ready to unveil new No 1
Should the fee be agreed, Onana and his entourage will then be cleared to meet with United to discuss personal terms. However, an agreement should be easy to reach, leaving the 34-times capped star simply needing to pass a medical to finalise the move.
To that end, the move could well be officially ratified 48 hours later.
Either way, the saga around De Gea and Onana will this week come to a head. And come Monday, United should have a much clearer idea what their goalkeeping situation will look like for next season.
De Gea has been with United since a bargain £18.9m move from Atletico Madrid in 2011. The Spaniard has featured in a huge 545 games for the club. And his importance in that time cannot be understated with Onana winning their Player of the Year four times in 12 seasons.
However, with Ten Hag ready to bring through phase two of his rebuilding programme, arguably the most significant signing yet of his Old Trafford era is seemingly closing in.
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