The Red Devils are ramping up their pursuit of the goalkeeper (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United have returned with another improved offer for Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana, though still remain just shy of the Italian side’s asking price.
The Cameroonian shot-stopper is manager Erik ten Hag’s top pick to replace David de Gea, who is now a free agent after his contract with the club expired last Friday.
There is still a chance the Spaniard could remain at Old Trafford with United having asked him to delay finding a new club until they have explored a move for Onana, though any extension would be on greatly reduced terms.
Inter are open to selling their 27-year-old keeper, particularly as he cost nothing just 12 months ago, but they are still determined to exact as big a fee as possible.
United had put in an offer that would reach £39million with bonuses included, but that was rejected with sporting director Piero Ausilio describing it as ‘not at the level we expected’.
Now transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the Red Devils have upped their offer again, with the total package reaching €50million (£42.7m) this time.
The deal would comprise of a fixed fee of £38.5m plus a further £4.2m in add-ons and bonuses, which are likely to be easily achievable.
Ten Hag and Onana worked together at Ajax (Picture: Getty)
Inter’s asking price has always been a package worth €60m (£51m) but there is a feeling that the €55m (£47m) mark could be the point at which a deal gets done.
United are still around £5m shy of that price point, but there is growing confidence that Onana will head to Old Trafford this summer.
The former Ajax man came through the academy at Barcelona before moving to Amsterdam and is immensely gifted with the ball at his feet – something that is totally crucial to the way Ten Hag wants to play.
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Onana contributes massively to his team’s build-up, something which did not happen last season with De Gea between the sticks.
The Cameroonian appeared to post a cryptic comment on Instagram on Thursday referencing the transfer saga currently surrounding him, writing: ‘Every life has a story, and every story has an end… never fool anyone.’
All parties want the discussions to be wrapped up quickly, with Ausilio keen for the situation to be resolved before Onana is due to report for pre-season training on 13 July.
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The Red Devils are ramping up their pursuit of the goalkeeper.