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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Fraser Watson

Andre Onana switches agent as Man Utd transfer gathers pace after talks

Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana has changed his agent as speculation over a move to Manchester United intensifies.

Onana, 27, previously spent six seasons at Ajax before signing for the Serie A giants two months ago. And his first season in Milan proved a success, helping his team win the Coppa Italia and reach the final of the Champions League, where they were beaten by Manchester City.

But having previously worked with Erik ten Hag in Holland, Onana's time in Italy could soon be over. United are closing in on a £45million move for the Cameroon international, with negotiations seemingly stalling over a contract extension for David de Gea.

On Thursday, it was widely reported that Onana's agent, Albert Botines, had met with representatives of Old Trafford to discuss potential terms. However, in a fresh twist the Daily Mail has claimed that Onana has now opted to change his agent.

The keeper twice won the double with Ten Hag in Holland, and should the signing get over the line, a reunion could ultimately spell the end for De Gea. The Spaniard has spent 11 seasons in Manchester, but is seemingly unwilling to take a pay cut on his £375,000-per-week wages.

Having been the No.1 at the club throughout his time there, it is also unlikely that the 32-year-old will be willing to pay second fiddle to Onana. But Ten Hag will be aware of the necessity for back up if he gets his man, given Cameroon's involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Man United are set to lodge a bid for Andre Onana (Getty Images)

HAVE YOUR SAY! Is is time for United to replace David de Gea ? Comment below.

Ten Hag's plans to overhaul his squad this summer are not going to plan thus far though. The club have had two bids for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount rejected, and have now been offered a compromise by the Blues which could see the deal be worth £72million.

The public pursuit of Tottenham striker Harry Kane is also yet to come to fruition. And the exact transfer funds available to the manager are as yet unknown, with the takeover saga between Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe still not at a conclusion.

Sheikh Jassmim wants complete control of the club, with the majority of fans favouring a sale to the Qatari. Ratcliffe's bid meanwhile, would see Avram and Joel Glazer remain as shareholders, a caveat criticised by those keen for the American family to cut ties with the club.

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