Manchester United are edging closer to confirming their second signing of the summer as Erik ten Hag continues to strengthen the areas United were weak in when he took over.
Last summer, it was the Dutchman’s priority to overhaul the midfield and he did just that. That was extended into this summer, having added Mason Mount to the middle third.
It was reported that Ten Hag was keen on signing a goalkeeper last summer as well but other areas were more pressing, leaving Ten Hag with next to no funds available to sign a shot-stopper.
That is not the case this year and following David de Gea’s controversial departure from the club, signing a replacement has become a necessity.
David Raya and Diogo Costa have both been linked with moves but United landed on Inter star Andre Onana – a player Ten Hag is familiar with.
Now, just days before the Reds jet off to the United States for their pre-season tour, it is looking likely significant headway is being made in a move. That’s according to reports from Italian outlets Gazetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport, relayed by Sport Witness.
In the update provided by Gazetta, it is claimed that Ten Hag has been in touch with Onana to ease any fears over the drawn-out negotiations. As per the report, the two clubs are €2-3m apart in valuations but that is not seen as a stumbling block at this point and the move is seen as ‘practically concluded’.
Gazetta continue to be confident that a move is edging closer, claiming that United will come closer to Inter’s valuation today or tomorrow and that Onana will be signed.
Corriere go along the same lines, claiming recent negotiations between the clubs mean that Onana is closer to a move to the Reds than ever.
It’s reported that the operation is currently in its ‘hottest’ 48 hours and although the most likely outcome is a resolution on Monday, it has not been ruled out that everything could be wrapped up today.
Ten Hag will be desperate to have his new first-choice goalkeeper available for the start of their pre-season tour next week.
