A year ago
Man United's first transfer offer for Andre Onana is rejected because it is £25 million BELOW the asking price.
Manchester United are looking for a goalkeeper in the summer transfer window after David de Gea's contract expired, but Andre Onana may be too expensive.
Manchester United appear to be priced out of a move for Andre Onana after Inter Milan rejected their opening bid.
After David de Gea's £375,000-a-week contract expired this summer, United are in need of a new No. 1. Erik ten Hag wants a ball-playing goalie capable of starting from the back, but the club's limited transfer budget prevents him from doing so.
Mason Mount is set to join United from Chelsea in a £60 million move, but the Mirror Football understands the deal has consumed over half of the club's £120 million budget. United has met with Onana's representation, and Ten Hag is familiar with him from their time together at Ajax.
However, their chances of securing the Cameroon international remain bleak, with sources in Italy claiming that Inter has rejected their opening bid of roughly £35 million. The Italian club values the 27-year-old at £60 million, a sum United just cannot afford.
This may place Onana in the same category as Brentford's David Raya and Porto's Diogo Costa. The Bees turned out bids from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur by wanting £40 million for Raya, while Porto value Costa at around £64 million.
After reaching the Champions League final with Inter last season, Onana is comfortable with the ball at his feet and has the pedigree United requires. His current relationship with Ten Hag is an obvious benefit, but Inter are in a strong negotiation position given Onana's contract expiration in June 2027.
Inter can also refer to heavy interest from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr as additional reason to haggle over a price with United. Cristiano Ronaldo's team has already signed Marcelo Brozovic from Inter and could bankroll a move for Onana as well.
Despite the delay, Inter are seeking for a successor for Onana and have highlighted Atalanta's Marco Carnesecchi as a possible candidate. The 23-year-old has been on loan at Cremonese and is considered ready to step up if called upon.
As previously revealed by Mirror Football, United have been obliged to consider cheaper alternatives in their search for a goalkeeper. The club's recruitment team has scouted Justin Bijlow of Feyenoord and Kevin Trapp of Eintracht Frankfurt. Bijlow would cost about £20 million, while Trapp would cost United £10 million.
United have not ruled out extending De Gea's contract, although the 32-year-old is currently engaged, having married over the weekend. Meanwhile, Dean Henderson wants to leave the club permanently after spending last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.
Last season, United were forced to use short-term loan deals for Martin Dubravka and Jack Butland to cover for De Gea, and Ten Hag has now banned 37-year-old Tom Heaton from joining newly-promoted Luton Town.
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