Manchester United could be considering another goalkeeping target to replace the injured Andre Onana, despite strong links with Emiliano Martinez and Senne Lammens.
Andre Onana’s injury before the start of pre-season has caught fans by surprise, as they wonder who will replace the Cameroonian as Manchester United’s starting goalkeeper if he cannot return in time for the Premier League opener against Arsenal.
In his absence, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton have both deputised, but the former has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford towards the end of last season, and Heaton only recently signed a one-year contract extension.
A new goalkeeper seems a real possibility, with strong links to Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens, but a bid has yet to be put in for either target.
It is understood that United don’t want to spend big on a goalkeeper target, after spending over £120 million on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo already this summer, with more transfers for a striker and a midfielder likely.
United dealt warning after Pope becomes surprise option
Newcastle United are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper, with all signs pointing towards James Trafford before Manchester City re-purchased their former Academy shotstopper.
Aaron Ramsdale appears to be the next target for Eddie Howe, but Nick Pope will want to remain a starting goalkeeper, so a move away from Newcastle appears likely for the Englishman.
TalkSPORT have reported that Nick Pope could emerge as a target for Manchester United if Newcastle sign Aaron Ramsdale.
The report states that the England international fits the profile of the type of player United are looking for to challenge Andre Onana, meaning that the 33-year-old could become Rúben Amorim’s starting shotstopper ahead of the new season, with Onana competing for game time when he returns from injury.
However, the Newcastle World’s Liam Kennedy has thrown immediate doubt on the links to United, explaining that the Gordie club’s plan remains to keep Pope, even despite links to Southampton’s Ramsdale following their failed pursuit of James Trafford.
Experience needed with promising talent at home
If United sign a young goalkeeper this summer, that effectively ends the United careers of both Radek Vitek and Elyh Harrison, who are both held in high regard at Old Trafford.
The two young goalkeepers have both joined EFL sides on loan, but could be ready for Premier League football in just one or two years, with Vitek already in the Championship.
Vitek has already impressed in the Austrian top flight, and if he continues his form at Bristol City, he could be considered for a first-team spot next season, so signing another young goalkeeper isn’t a wise choice for now.
Harrison is held in an even higher regard than Vitek, but he is a few years younger, so he has joined Shrewsbury Town in League Two to get his first taste of league football, after playing in non-league for Chester last season.
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