Manchester United make André Onana number one target after backing out of David De Gea deal

Patrick McCarry

Sense prevails.

On Friday, the current contract of Manchester United David De Gea expires, and his future at the club is far from certain. Andre Onana is on United’s radar.

Previously earning £375,000 per week – the second highest player salary in the Premier League – the Spaniard will have to accept a much lower figure if he wants to stick around at Old Trafford.

United’s goalkeeping scout, Tony Coton told Sky Sports, earlier this week, that the club are ‘keeping our options open’ with regards to goalkeepers at the club, next season. Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton are also on the books but the former could yet return to Nottingham Forest, where he was on loan last season.

While Jordan Pickford had been mooted as a transfer possibility, talkSport are reporting that Andre Onana is now their top priority goalkeeping target. The Inter Milan goalkeeper, and Cameroon international, previously played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and could be secured for around £40m.

The 27-year-old helped Inter to a domestic league and cup double and started the Champions Cup final, ending up on the losing side to Manchester City.

David De Gea, Christian Eriksen, Luke Shaw and Casemiro of Manchester United celebrate with the League Cup trophy. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Andre Onana among three goalkeeping targets

Meanwhile, and very much related to this, United backed out of an agreement to extend David De Gea’s contract at the eleventh hour.

De Gea had agreed to drastically reduce his £375,000 per week wages, however United did not officially sign the contract. As reported by The Athletic, the Red Devils have offered the Spaniard fresh terms, but with an even lower salary.

The 32-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this week and with the ‘keeper keen to continue playing at the highest level, is now considering his options. Discussions between the two are ongoing but there is no incline as to whether De Gea will stay or go.

The Premier League’s Golden Glove winner has had interest from Saudi Arabia, who have lured a number of high profile talents to the Middle East including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Ruben Neves and more.

Along with Andre Onana, United have been eyeing up other potential replacements if De Gea does decide to leave Old Trafford for free.

David Raya of Brentford has been one name linked but they could be in competition with Tottenham who are reportedly unwilling to meet the Bees’ £40m price tag. Diogo Costa from Porto is also another name being considered.

Erik ten Hag has a number of key positions he wants to improve, most notably the forward position. Harry Kane is their number one target but with Spurs wanting £100m at the very least, there are doubts on if United can actually afford his asking price.

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