Manchester United look set to be priced out of a move for Andre Onana after Inter Milan rejected their opening bid for the goalkeeper.
United are in need of a new No1 this summer after David de Gea’s £375,000-a-week contract expired. Erik ten Hag wants a ball-playing keeper capable of starting play from the back, but the Dutchman is hamstrung by the club’s limited transfer budget.
Mason Mount is poised to join United in a £60million transfer from Chelsea, but Mirror Football understands that deal has eaten up half of the club’s £120m budget. United have held talks with Onana’s representatives and Ten Hag knows him well from their time together at Ajax.
However, their chances of landing the Cameroon international appear slim, with reports in Italy stating their opening offer of around £35m has been pushed back by Inter. The Italian club values the 27-year-old at £60m – a price United simply cannot afford to pay.
That could put Onana in the same bracket as other targets such as Brentford’s David Raya and Porto’s Diogo Costa. The Bees put off suitors including United and Tottenham by demanding £40m for Raya, while Porto value Costa at around £64m.
Onana is comfortable with the ball at his feet and has the pedigree United require after reaching the Champions League final with Inter last season. His existing relationship with Ten Hag is a clear plus point, but Inter are in a strong negotiating position, given Onana is under contract until June 2027.
Inter can also point to strong interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr as another reason to play hardball with United over a price. Cristiano Ronaldo ’s team have already signed Marcelo Brozovic from Inter and could use their deep pockets to fund a move for Onana too.
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Despite dragging their feet, Inter are looking at potential replacements for Onana and have identified Atalanta's Marco Carnesecchi as a possibility. The 23-year-old has been on loan with Cremonese and is deemed ready to step up if required.
As recently reported, Mirror Football understands that United have been forced to look at cheaper alternatives in their search for a goalkeeper. Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kevin Trapp have been scouted by the club’s recruitment team. Bijlow would cost around £20m, while the experienced Trapp would set United back £10m.
United have not ruled out agreeing a new deal with De Gea, but the 32-year-old is currently occupied, having got married over the weekend. Meanwhile, Dean Henderson is keen to leave the club permanently following his loan to Nottingham Forest last season.
United were forced to use short-term loan deals for Martin Dubravka and Jack Butland last season to provide cover for De Gea and Ten Hag has now prevented 37-year-old Tom Heaton from leaving to join newly-promoted Luton Town.
