According to reports, Manchester United has prepared a backup strategy in case they are unable to afford to acquire Inter Milan custodian Andre Onana. When it comes to finding a new No. 1, the Cameroonian international is without a doubt Erik ten Hag’s top transfer target. However, his high price tag is starting to present issues for the Old Trafford leadership as they continue to fight Financial Fair Play.
David Harrison, United’s director of football operations, was reportedly in Ibiza on Friday to speak with Inter sports director Piero Ausilio about a potential transfer, but it appears the Red Devils are still up against it in their quest to sign the midfielder.
Inter reportedly wants £50 million to reach a deal, according to reports in the Italian media, and a first offer is currently being discussed.
The Mirror is now claiming otherwise and even goes as far as to claim that United has chosen to leave the bargaining table.
United reportedly has no choice but to look for less expensive options as Inter continues to demand a premium.
As they look to strengthen their goalkeeping staff, Justin Bijlow of Feyenoord and Kevin Trapp of Eintracht Frankfurt are now allegedly on their short list.
Last season, Bijlow made 25 appearances for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie as Arne Slot’s team edged PSV and Ajax for the Dutch championship.
United might now try to make a move for the Dutch international, who would be less expensive than Onana.
Following his successes with Paris Saint-Germain and Eintracht Frankfurt, Trapp is a player who has long been admired at Old Trafford.
Trapp revealed in an official statement that had declined a formal offer from United in favour of remaining in Germany last August.
Dear supporters, there have been numerous reports of interest in Manchester United in recent days, Trapp stated.
“It is true that a written offer has been made. I hope everyone can see that Manchester United is a global organisation and that I am capable of handling and considering such an offer.
“However, I let the guy in charge of both clubs know yesterday that I had decided on Eintracht. With Frankfurt, I’ve had incredible experiences and together, we’ve made history. Although the season has had a rocky start, I have complete faith in us.
The 32-year-old Germany international has been one of the top goalkeepers in the Bundesliga since returning to his country in 2018 after a four-year stay with PSG. In 2022, he assisted Eintracht in winning the Europa League.
The future of David de Gea is still up in the air, and when the Spaniard comes to England in the near future, he plans to hold crucial conversations about his future with Manchester United.
At Old Trafford, De Gea had verbally agreed to a new deal; however, United has since withdrawn the offer.
The former Atletico Madrid custodian is still wanted by Saudi Arabian clubs, but he is believed to prefer staying at Old Trafford if at all possible.
When the Hatters made a move to sign the seasoned custodian, Ten Hag declined to approve Tom Heaton’s exit from Luton.