Potential Man Utd transfer blow as Chelsea plot move to sign potential £64.5m Andre Onana replacement

At the start of the season, many wouldn’t have seen Manchester United signing a goalkeeper and replacing Andre Onana just two seasons after they spent £47.2 million on him to be their long-term replacement for David de Gea.

However, this season especially, Onana has made countless mistakes at crucial times, none more so than during their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon, when the Cameroonian was at fault for both of the hosts’ goals in the 2-2 draw in France.

Reports have said that United are willing to sell him in the summer with interest from the Saudi Pro League, and have been linked to several keepers who can come in and be United’s new number one next season.

United face competition from Chelsea to sign Costa

One stopper that United have been heavily linked to is Porto’s Diogo Costa, who has a £64.5 million release clause in his deal at the Portuguese club. He has made 41 appearances this season, conceding just 44 goals, and keeping 18 clean sheets.

He has also cemented his place as the number one choice for the Portugal National team, having 34 caps so far in his career. The 25-year-old looked poised for a summer move to Old Trafford, but he has now been linked to rivals Chelsea.

According to TeamTalk, the Blues have identified Costa as a target this summer as they also want to replace their goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has had a very up-and-down season at Stamford Bridge.

The report says that Chelsea tried to sign Costa last summer, as they made an approach in late May, however, they didn’t get anywhere with it. However, if they were willing to last year, they are likely to do the same this summer, especially because their need in goal is more than it was last year.

Who could United sign instead of Costa?

If Chelsea’s pursuit of Costa means that United won’t be able to sign the 25-year-old, then they will have to look at other targets. Aaron Ramsdale has been touted as a potential target on the cheap after he was relegated to the Championship with Southampton this season.

He has previous experience, but after a poor season with the Saints, a move to a high-pressure job like at United might not be the move that would suit the England international.

Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen has also been linked to United, and he could be a more suitable signing after having an impressive season with the Seagulls this year. The Dutch international has made 35 appearances, conceding 54 goals and providing eight assists.

The 22-year-old is still very early in his career, and so could be a great signing to become United’s long-term option at the back. Plus, his market value is estimated to be just £21m, meaning that he could be significantly cheaper than Costa at £64.5m.

In other news, the three major signings Man United can make next if £63m Matheus Cunha transfer goes through.