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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nizaar Kinsella

Manchester United begin talks to sign Andre Onana after Chelsea pull out of race

Manchester United have made contact with Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, once a major target for Chelsea.

The 27-year-old has met with officials at Old Trafford over a potential move worth around £50million.

Erik ten Hag is driving interest in Onana after working with him at Ajax. They won three league titles together, reaching both the Europa League final and Champions League semi-finals.

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Onana is ready to move to the Premier League and Inter won’t stand in his way should they receive a substantial fee.

United have initially moved cautiously, however, as they await the outcome of talks with David de Gea.

De Gea has an offer below his £375,000-a-week wage on the table and must fight for his place next season after failing to convince with the ball at his feet, despite winning the Premier League’s Golden Glove award.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia are willing to sign De Gea and offer him a substantial pay rise, leaving him at a career crossroads.

Ten Hag and Onana worked together at Ajax (AFP via Getty Images)

Mason Mount is currently the priority target for United and a bid of around £55m is expected in the next 24 hours, while ten Hag also wants budget for a striker.

United have also been linked with New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

The Serbian is regarded as the best goalkeeper in Major League Soccer as just 23-years-old. He is valued at £24m by his club and would only move to become a no1 with a lot of other interest from European rivals.

Chelsea were considered frontrunners but have cooled interest due to Mauricio Pochettino’s willingness to work with Kepa Arrizabalaga as his No1 option.

The Blues will continue to search for a goalkeeper but would prefer an option more willing to play a back-up role.

Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili is one potential target but their focus is currently on securing striker Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal and Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

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