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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Samuel Luckhurst

Manchester United progressing with Andre Onana transfer and hold Zion Suzuki talks

Manchester United are at a more advanced stage to sign a new goalkeeper than a striker amid plans to reinforce their spine.

United football director John Murtough has held extensive discussions with Inter Milan over Andre Onana and Atalanta regarding a possible deal for centre forward Rasmus Hojlund.

Onana is United's principal target to replace the out-of-contract David de Gea, while the club have held talks with the agent of Urawa Red Diamonds and Japan Under-21 goalie Zion Suzuki. United have not made an offer for the 20-year-old Suzuki.

An industry source says Suzuki is regarded as a top talent and had been looking to move to a team in Belgium.

Exclusive: Murtough holds extensive talks over Hojlund and Onana

United are open to signing two goalkeepers this summer as Dean Henderson is expected to be sold.

Murtough has discussed the potential parameters of a deal for Onana, 27, with Inter but it is understood the figures United have floated are below those reported in the Italian media.

With De Gea possibly gone for good and Henderson likely to follow, United are determined to have a strong goalkeeping pool for the start of the new season.

Senior figures at United insist they are sensitive about De Gea's situation and the Spaniard is understood to have informed United officials his yawning emoji last week was not directed at the club but at the speculation surrounding his future.

De Gea then tweeted a juggling emoji on Thursday ahead of possible face-to-face discussions with United. Some have suggested De Gea is juggling his options after his contract expired as there is no formal offer from United.

Tom Heaton, 37, is expected to start in the first pre-season friendly against Leeds United in Oslo on Wednesday as Henderson is recovering from thigh surgery. The alternative 'keepers are rookies Nathan Bishop, Matej Kovar and Radek Vitek.

Heaton had his contract extended by a year last month but he has generated interest from newly-promoted Premier League side Luton Town.

Henderson will not entertain the prospect of providing back-up to a new No.1 as he turns 27 next season and the European Championship is next summer. The Manchester Evening News revealed Nottingham Forest want to sign Henderson in a potential £30million deal.

United would save £390,000 in wages with both De Gea and Henderson off the books.

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