'A lot of noise' - La Liga sporting director breaks silence as Manchester United 'make approach' for €25m star
Man Utd have been linked with several players ahead of the summer transfer window.
Manchester United could look to sign a goalkeeper in the summer transfer window and Espanyol star Joan García is one name linked with a possible Old Trafford switch. Ruben Amorim has doubts over the current options available to him, with speculation surrounding the future of both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
United are certain to lose one option when Tom Heaton leaves as a free agent at the end of the season, though his place in the first-team could be occupied by Elyh Harrison, Dermot Mee or Radek Vitek. It is understood United are more likely to sell Bayindir this summer and sign a young back-up to Onana, who can offer better competition for a starting role.
It makes a player like García appealing. The 23-year-old is already a star player for Espanyol in La Liga and is a Spain U21 international, though Arsenal and Real Madrid have both also been linked with a move, so United might have to act fast if they are to sign him.
Espanyol sporting director breaks silence
A report from Spanish outlet Cope claims Manchester United have made an approach for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García. The report claims United were the latest club to contact the player's representatives and even 'made him an offer' over a potential move to Old Trafford last weekend.
It is reported García has a €25 million clause in his current Espanyol deal, though the figure will rise to €30 million during the final two weeks of the summer window. It will also rise be a reported €5 million if he were to make his debut for Spain while still at the club.
It remains to be seen just how serious the rumoured interest in García is, but it has been brought to the attention of Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza. Speaking this week, Garagarza played down the intensity of the transfer reports but admitted the youngster could leave the club in the summer if an appropriate offer comes in.
“There’s a lot of noise, but nothing is happening," he was quoted by Sport. "There’s no firm movement like there was in the previous [summer] window. There may be movements because he’s a top-level goalkeeper, but we’re calm, and most importantly, the kid is very calm,” he said.
Garcia has played every La Liga match for Espanyol this season and kept seven clean sheets in the process. They currently sit 13th in the Spanish top-flight, seven points above the relegation zone and seven points behind the final European spot.