Man Utd transfer to ‘close almost immediately’ with deal expected ‘in 48 hours’ after Ibiza meeting
Premier League side Man Utd are set to close a deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana by Friday, according to reports in Italy.
The Red Devils are looking to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer with uncertainty over David de Gea’s future at Old Trafford.
Man Utd wanted to bring in competition in the goalkeeping department whether De Gea – who is out of contract at the end of this month – stays or goes this summer.
A report yesterday claimed that the Spaniard had agreed to a drastic reduction in his salary to remain at Man Utd before the Red Devils ‘backed out’ of the deal.
In an incredible U-turn, Man Utd then offered De Gea different terms again ‘with an even lower salary’ with the goalkeeper ‘now considering his options’. Who can blame him?
But Man Utd are lining up his replacement with Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport claiming that Inter Milan and the Red Devils have ‘agreed on tight timing to close the deal’ for Onana.
READ MORE: Man Utd hopes pinned on Harry Maguire for Premier League title challenge
That comes after a meeting in Ibiza between Inter sporting director Piero Ausilo and Man Utd director of football operations David Harrison.
Both sides want a quick resolution with the transfer set to ‘close almost immediately’ with Gazzetta dello Sport insisting Onana can ‘become a Manchester United player on Friday’.
The report adds that Ausilo will meet the player’s agent and Man Utd over the next ’48 hours’ as they look to strike an agreement for the 27-year-old.
Former Red Devils striker Dimitar Berbatov thinks De Gea “needs to stay” at Man Utd and has defender the goalkeeper over his performances in recent seasons.
Berbatov told Betfred: “Based on what he’s given to the club over the last decade and more, I don’t believe he gets enough credit for everything he’s done. Everybody makes mistakes and David has been one of the best goalkeepers over the past ten years.
“It’s normal to make mistakes and I don’t believe that many people remember all the great things he’s done for Manchester United and ultimately, I don’t believe he gets enough respect.
“I think he needs to stay and try to be better than he was last season. Everybody’s focused on whether he’s good enough at using the ball with his feet and it’s very clear that it’s an area he needs to work on, but in my opinion, he needs to stay.
“If David and the manager decide to part ways, then there’s always that time in your career when a new challenge arises, that allows you to start again as new and it refreshes you. This could be the case, but we just have to wait to find out.”
READ MORE: Onana, Costa, Pickford? Nine contenders to replace David De Gea as next Man Utd goalkeeper
