Manchester United have reportedly returned with another improved offer for Inter Milan shoot-stopper Andre Onana.
The Cameroon International goalkeeper is coach Erik ten Hag’s top priority to replace out-of-contract David de Gea, who is now a free agent after his contract with the three times UEFA Champions League club ended on Friday, 30th of June, 2023.
However, Man United has urged the Spaniard to hold off on signing with a new club until they have investigated a possible transfer for Onana, so there is still a chance he might continue at Old Trafford, albeit any extension would come with a much-reduced salary.
According to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United’s new improved bid is worth 50 million euros, the initial fee is 45 million euros plus 5 million euros in add-ons.
Romano added that Man United’s opening bid was 40 million euros plus 5 million add ons but the opening bid was turned down by Inter Milan as the Italian club always wanted €60 million.
Meanwhile, Manchester United remain in talks with the 2023 UEFA Champions League runner-up and they believe that €55 million could be enough amount to close the deal.
The Italian club is willing to part with their 27-year-old goalkeeper, since he cost them nothing a season ago, but they are insistent on getting the highest possible price for him.
The Red Devils had submitted a bid that, with bonuses, would have totaled £39 million, but it was rejected because it was “not at the level we expected,” as Inter Milan’s sporting director Piero Ausilio put it.
Despite Man United being about €5 million short of that price point, optimism is rising that Onana will arrive at Old Trafford this summer.
The former Ajax player went through the Barcelona youth system before making the move to Amsterdam; his incredible skill with the ball at his feet is essential to the style of play that Ten Hag like.
Unlike the previous season when De Gea was in goal, last season, Andre Onana makes significant contributions to Inter Milan team’s buildup.
Now, those on both sides of the deal think they can work out an agreement that will let Onana join Manchester United at Old Trafford in addition to their new acquisition Mason Mount.
With David De Gea’s future still up in the air, manager Erik ten Hag is on the lookout for a replacement.
Manchester United still intends to meet with the Spanish goalkeeper face to face to discuss his contract status, even though club officials recognize he may not want to remain the backup if Onana signs.
On Thursday, 1st of July, 2023, when United’s non-international players returned to Carrington pre-season training, the 32-year-old was nowhere to be found.
Ten Hag and Onana worked together at Ajax, and the Cameroonian goalkeeper is now a priority at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are hesitant to pay Inter’s valuation of the 27-year-old because they need to save some of the summer cash to buy a striker, despite Ten Hag’s strong desire for the player.
Financial fair play issues have limited Ten Hag’s summer transfer budget to between £100m and £150m, which is still much more than the club spent last summer.
In addition, Manchester United has shifted its attention to Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta and Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt, with Tottenham’s asking price for Harry Kane above £100 million.
What’s your take on Man United’s improved bid for Andre Onana? Share your views with us below.
