Manchester United have held ‘tentative’ talks with Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana as the club consider replacements for David de Gea.
De Gea’s contract is set to expire next week and his future remains uncertain with no agreement reached on a new deal.
United had hoped to agree an extension with the Spaniard on reduced terms, but no contract has been finalised and it is becoming increasingly likely that De Gea will depart after 12 seasons at Old Trafford.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein told Sky Sports that ‘it looks like he may well leave’ given no agreement has been reached, with the Red Devils reluctant to renew the 32-year-old’s deal on his current wages.
According to the Daily Mail, United have began discussing contingency plans and Onana is a leading candidate to replace De Gea should the club sign a new number one.
The Cameroon international was excellent as Inter Milan reached the Champions League final last season and led the competition for both saves and clean sheets.
Erik ten Hag worked with the 27-year-old at Ajax and values Onana’s distribution and comfortability with the ball at his feet. Chelsea have also been linked with Onana, who is valued at around £50m at the San Siro.
United have also looked at back-up options to provide competition for De Gea should he renew, while the Red Devils retain Dean Henderson on their books. The England international is due to return for pre-season after a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, but the two clubs remain in negotiations over a permanent move to the City Ground.
