United plotting surprise move for 27-yo who is reluctant to sign new deal with title challengers – report

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Alex Meret, who has yet to commit to his long-term future at Napoli.

Andre Onana has proven to be one of Erik ten Hag’s rare signings that has hit the mark. Even when United’s backline appeared shaky under the Dutchman, the ex-Inter Milan star did relatively well.

He has also started strongly under Ruben Amorim and has earned more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this term (6).

Onana’s assured presence has also led to suggestions of Altay Bayındır’s exit from Old Trafford, as the Turkish goalkeeper is considered too good not to play regularly. With both Ten Hag and Amorim trusting Onana, Bayındır has yet to make a league appearance this campaign.

Amid this, it is being suggested United have set their sights on Napoli’s Meret.

According to Sport Mediaset (via Sport Witness), the Red Devils are “thinking about” a move for Meret, who is nearing the end of his contract in Naples.

The 27-year-old shot-stopper is yet to find an agreement with Napoli over a new deal and his current one is due to expire at the end of the season.

The Serie A outfit have made their offer to their star player but it is “not easy at all” for them to get him to sign a new contract, as the player wants to evaluate other potential proposals.

The outlet claims both United and Inter have “long been interested” in the Italian and could attempt to take advantage of the situation as he becomes a free agent in the summer.

However, with Onana between the sticks at the Theatre of Dreams, Meret’s move to Manchester wouldn’t make much sense, especially since he is a starter under Antonio Conte, who is challenging for the league title with Napoli.

As things stand, United don’t need a new goalkeeper, but if Bayındır pushes for an exit, the Premier League giants could do a lot worse than sign Meret as a free agent.

The Mancunians have also been linked with a move for Meret’s Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is thought to be reluctant to pen a new deal at the Italian side.