Senne Lammens’ pending transfer to Manchester United is drawing closer as Rúben Amorim searches for fresh competition for André Onana.
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of 23-year-old Senne Lammens as a new goalkeeper amid a need for refreshment in the department.
Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton recently extended his contract by a further season, while first-choice André Onana is expected to remain at United this summer.
With Lammens’ move drawing closer, it appears that this could spell the end of Altay Bayındır’s career at Old Trafford following the Turk’s blunder against Arsenal last weekend.
Lammens, currently at Belgian Pro League side Royal Antwerp, is known to be one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe and is expected to initially serve as Onana’s No. 2 but push for a starting place throughout the campaign.
Negotiations between United and Antwerp progressing
News regarding United’s pursuit of Lammens erupted on Friday morning, with it being revealed that talks had intensified on Thursday afternoon.
In a fresh update, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has explained that the two clubs are discussing the structure of a fee, with the Belgian side wanting around £17 million for their star shot-stopper.
“The negotiation between Man United and Royal Antwerp for Senne Lammens is advancing very well,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel. That’s what I can tell you in these hours. Very good negotiation.
“The package requested is €20 million. So there is a negotiation ongoing. The structure fee is still not a done deal between clubs. It’s agreed with the player because Lammens say yes to Manchester United.
“The arrival of Lammens, if it happens, doesn’t mean that Andre Onana is going to leave Manchester United. He could join Manchester United and provide competition, be a goalkeeper for the future, but it doesn’t mean that Onana is leaving because at the moment the Onana situation is very quiet. Onana is not negotiating with any other club.”
Lammens excited about United transfer
Earlier this week, news dropped that both Manchester City and Inter Milan were also very serious about bringing in the Belgian this summer, with both sides having entered talks.
Whether or not this triggered United to up their interest and pivot from signing a midfielder to a goalkeeper is unknown, but either way, Old Trafford appears to be Lammens’ top choice.
According to journalist Sam Cohen, the goalkeeper is “excited and intrigued” at the thought of signing for United, despite interest from elsewhere in Europe after his stellar campaign.
United have issued a strict transfer policy this summer, only signing players who demonstrate an active willingness and desire to join Amorim’s project.
Lammens’ excitement at the move, combined with the rejection of interest from City and Inter, certainly puts him in that bracket.
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