Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi has confirmed that the Italian club may be forced to sell Manchester United transfer target Andre Onana this summer.
United, who defeated Leeds United 2-0 in their first pre-season friendly on Wednesday afternoon, have identified the Inter shot-stopper as their primary target to replace David de Gea. Football director John Murtough has held talks with Inter and there is a general feeling of confidence that a deal will get done.
Manager Erik ten Hag worked with Onana at Ajax and knows the Cameroonian well, meaning he has a perfect understanding of what he would bring to Old Trafford. United want a goalkeeper who is confident and comfortable in possession, and Onana is considered one of the best in the business.
The 27-year-old joined Inter last summer and enjoyed an excellent debut campaign at the San Siro, keeping 19 clean sheets in 41 appearances. He also helped them scoop two trophies and reach the Champions League final.
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Although Inzaghi expects him to report for pre-season training on Thursday, he has admitted that the Serie A heavyweights may be unable to retain his services.
Inzaghi, speaking on Wednesday, said: "He's an Inter player, tomorrow [Thursday] he'll be among the players called up for pre-season. We know the transfer window is unpredictable and that all Italian clubs have to sell before they can buy.
"We know there's this risk [that he leaves] but at the same time, I'm calm about it all because the club and the owners have reassured me that this year we'll have a competitive Inter."
Should United get a deal over the line for Onana, Inter will be left in desperate need of strengthening their goalkeeping department. Long-term No.1 Samir Handanovic has already left this summer and Inzaghi has outlined what the club will be looking for when attempting to bring in new shot-stoppers.
"The goalkeeper will have to be technically good, so together with the club we're looking to find not just one but somebody else too," Inzaghi added.
"Over the last couple of years at Inter, first with Samir and then with Onana, we were able to count on goalkeepers who were very good with their feet."
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