United cool interest in £40m PL stand-out amid links to young exciting talent – report

One transfer that will not surprise most Manchester United fans is a move for a top goalkeeper.

Aside from the striking department, many felt the goalkeeping department was another area that needed reinforcement after last season’s struggles.

There is uncertainty over which version of André Onana, head coach Ruben Amorim, “will get” next season.

If it is the shaky one from last term, there will be plenty to worry about. However, the Portuguese coach could still rely on Inter Milan’s or Ajax’s Onana.

That said, while Onana is staying, Altay Bayindir may not be.

That is why United are actively looking to sign a capable goalkeeper to challenge the Cameroon international, a swoop that should raise the overall level of the team’s defence.

Last season’s erratic goalkeeping infected United’s back line, undermining their defensive cohesion.

Keeper transfer race

For days, debate has centred around Emiliano Martinez or Senne Lammens as the option INEOS might settle on.

What was once considered a tight race between two highly rated keepers now appears to be tilting in favour of Royal Antwerp’s Lammens.

For Martinez, United had to contend with paying his £40 million asking price.

While they may have considered doing that, it has emerged that there is another major obstacle in this swoop, as per the Manchester Evening News, who say, “A potential transfer for Emiliano Martinez has been dismissed. United aim to avoid raising their wage bill, especially since Martinez signed a new contract with Villa last year worth over £200,000-a-week.”

United’s Premier League loan approach (Lammens the fallback option)

Interestingly, this update comes just after United failed in their approach for Martinez, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting INEOS may now pivot to Lammens.

🚨 Aston Villa have rejected an approach from Man United for Dibu Martínez on a loan deal.

Man United still deciding internally with experienced GK and young GK as options.

Lammens from Royal Antwerp remains one of the main names. 👀

🎥 https://t.co/ppWOutw54w pic.twitter.com/SJFb5FP3jO

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2025

Lammens could be a shrewd signing.

He wants the move, has already turned down a Champions League side (Galatasaray), and given his career stage, is unlikely to make ambitious wage demands.

Still not fully established, still to hit his ceiling, and he is eager to test himself in the Premier League fight, where he could fight for a place in United’s line-up, and one day become the club’s number one.

Featured image Angel Martinez via Getty Images

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