Manchester United are expected to agree personal terms with Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana today, with the clubs very close to finalizing his transfer fee.
Onana is set to sign a five-year contract and will fly to New York on Wednesday for their pre-season tour with Erik ten Haag’s squad if he completes his medical in time. If not, join later.
Talks over Ona’s salary reached a turning point on Saturday and now they have effectively concluded, United must quickly settle the price to pay him. United made an opening offer worth €45m (£38.6m) for the 27-year-old earlier this month, but the Serie A club are closer to €60m.
A deal is expected to be reached today or tomorrow, with United recently proposing 43 million euros plus 5 million in add-ons, although the exact figure is still being negotiated.
Onana is keen on a move to Old Trafford, where he will link up with Ten Haag after spending time together at Ajax.
United have stepped up their pursuit of the former Cameroon international following the departure of David de Gea after 12 years at the club.
Athletic It was reported last month that De Gea had signed an extension with United, only for the club to back out of the agreed proposal.
A deal for Onana could pave the way for Nottingham Forest to bid for Dean Henderson.
Having come through the Barcelona youth ranks, Onana began his senior career after coming through the Barcelona youth ranks in the Eredivisie with his passing range and confidence at his feet.
Those skills were on display during Inter’s run to the Champions League final last season, where they lost 1-0 to Manchester City.
Ten Haag are also on the lookout for a striker this summer, with Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund in talks over a potential deal, but United are hoping to move a number of players to help fund their recruitment drive.
Fred, Donnie van de Beek, Anthony Elanga and Scott McTominay were among those allowed to exit.
United will fly to America on Wednesday after their pre-season friendly against Lyon.
Ten Haag’s side face Premier League rivals Arsenal in New Jersey on July 22, before games against Wrexham (July 25), Real Madrid (July 26) and Borussia Dortmund (July 30).
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Onana is a player that Ten Haag knows well. He was a regular at Ajax under the Dutchman and was well aware of the manager’s approach.
The Cameroon international has exceptional passing range, is confident with the ball at his feet, commands the box well and is an excellent shot-stopper.
Those skills were on display during Inter’s recent run to the Champions League final, where they lost 1-0 to Manchester City. Even in defeat, the 27-year-old showed his talent as a world-class goalkeeper.
City were the team everyone expected to break down their opponents and dominate possession through their goalkeeper’s ability on the ball, but it was Inter who actually caused the most problems.
(Photo: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)