Man Utd ‘opening bid’ worth £39m ‘rejected’; ‘personal terms not an issue’ thanks to Ten Hag factor
Fabrizio Romano says Inter have rejected an opening offer from Man Utd for their No. 1 goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Onana only joined the Italian club last year, penning a five-year contract following the expiry of his Ajax contract.
There is an expectation he will leave this summer, however, with a reunion with ex-Ajax and current United boss Erik ten Hag on the cards.
Known for his incredible passing range and overall ability with the ball at his feet, Onana is a fantastic modern day goalkeeper who would be a huge upgrade on David De Gea.
The Spaniard has been the Red Devils’ No. 1 for over a decade but is now out of contract, with talks continuing over a new deal at Old Trafford.
De Gea recently signed a contract with a salary significantly lower than the £375,000 he was earning at Old Trafford per week, only for the club to U-turn and offer the goalkeeper another deal with an even lower salary.
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This has unsurprisingly slowed down negotiations, with De Gea now considering his options, although it feels like he will not be offered a better role than as Man Utd’s second-choice ‘keeper.
A new goalkeeper is a huge priority for Ten Hag, with the uncertain situation surrounding his No. 1 for the new season blocking Tom Heaton’s move to Luton Town and putting the brakes on Dean Henderson’s permanent move to Nottingham Forest, where he spent last season on loan.
Man Utd have been in talks to sign Onana for several weeks and have now seen a bid rejected by Inter, according to Romano.
The Italian journalist said on Wednesday morning that the Red Devils made a ‘verbal proposal’ worth £39million plus £5m in add-ons.
He added that Onana is ‘keen on the move’, though Inter want closer to £51m.
Romano later confirmed the bid has been rejected by Inter, with negotiations expected to continue and the deal ‘absolutely on’.
The Athletic also reported on Wednesday that Man Utd have made an ‘opening offer’ to sign the Cameroonian goalkeeper.
Although the Nerazzurri want £51m, it is believed that a ‘compromise’ can be met – like in the negotiations with Chelsea for Mason Mount – with ‘personal terms unlikely to be an issue’ thanks to Onana’s relationship with Ten Hag.
The 27-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Chelsea, who are now expected to move forward with Kepa Arrizabalaga as their No. 1.
Onana’s signing should open the door for Henderson to seal a permanent switch to Forest after impressing last term.
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