Transfer expert confirms Man Utd are ‘closing in’ on €55m top target after ‘final verbal proposal’

According to Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd are ‘closing in’ on Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana after making their ‘final verbal proposal’.

Man Utd are attempting to acquire their top targets ahead of next season. They have already spent a huge fee to snatch Mason Mount from Chelsea and now they have turned their attention to Onana.

The former Ajax standout has emerged as Erik ten Hag’s favourite choice to replace David De Gea. This follows the Spaniard’s exit after the expiry of his contract.

Onana and Ten Hag enjoyed a successful spell together at Ajax and as a talented ball-playing goalkeeper, the Cameroon international should fit in well at Old Trafford.

And now it seems that the 27-year-old could soon be linking up with the rest of United’s squad, with Romano revealing on Thursday night that they “are now closing in on the Onana deal as a final verbal proposal has been made during talks today”.

He adds: “Understand it’s €50m fee plus €5m add-ons. Structure of add-ons being discussed then… done deal. It’s imminent, as expected.”

This report comes after Italian journalist Rudy Galetti (on Wednesday afternoon) claimed: “Man Utd and Inter have already reached a verbal agreement about the transfer fee: £42m+£5m add-ons. New contacts are expected in the next 24/48h to discuss the details and complete the move; The GK is ready to join #MUFC.”

READ MORE: Lukaku returns to Man Utd…and Everton: All 20 Premier League clubs bring back one former player

The number one spot at United has been a poisoned chalice for several of their former players but De Gea has largely been a great success at Old Trafford.

He was once considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but he has been making mistakes on a more consistent basis in recent seasons.

United initially wanted him to take a pay cut to extend his deal beyond this summer, despite them having the option to automatically extend his contract on the same terms until 2024.

A new contract was on the table for De Gea, but before it was fully signed, United opted to ask him to accept even lower terms and this led to the goalkeeper moving on.

Tony Cascarino has warned Onana that he will be “tested” by certain Premier League teams next season.

“De Gea’s potential successor, Inter Milan’s Andre Onana, appears a sensible choice,” Cascarino told The Times.

“He is outstanding with his feet and spent five years playing under Ten Hag at Ajax.

“However, he is not the strongest, and imposing teams such as Brentford and Newcastle United would test him with deep crosses. He has the same questions to answer as De Gea did 12 years ago. United have come full circle.”

READ MORE: Transfer gossip… PSG prepare to gazump Bayern over Kane as Man Utd eye ex-Chelsea star