Manchester United are closing in on their fifth signing of the summer, with talks progressing with Royal Antwerp for Senne Lammens.
Face-to-face discussions have already taken place, but a slight gap in valuation remains to be sorted. The Belgian goalie has already agreed personal terms.
His arrival was likely to spell the end of Altay Bayindir, who was culpable for the error that gifted Arsenal all three points in the opening game of the season.
The Red Devils currently have three senior keepers with Andre Onana being the No.1 while Tom Heaton signed a new deal recently and was named as part of the new leadership group.
Bayindir won’t leave
This indicates both are unlikely to leave. Which leaves only the Turkiye international. But Ben Jacobs has a different take on the issue.
Writing for Givemesport, the journalist revealed that INEOS are thinking of keeping all four shot-stoppers, at least until January.
After that, a call on the ex-Fenerbahce star is expected. That is because Onana will be leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations, and Ruben Amorim wants adequate backup during that phase.
“The Red Devils are hoping to pay £17m, while Antwerp are holding out for a fee in excess of £20m. The small gap in valuation is not expected to be an issue.
Lammens close to signing
“Manchester United’s pursuit of Lammens is not expected to impact the immediate future of Andre Onana, who is still expected to stay at Old Trafford as the club’s No.1 goalkeeper.
“Altay Bayindir is also likely to remain at Old Trafford even if Lammens arrives, at least until January.
“This is partly down to the fact Andre Onana will miss the festive period due to his participation with Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations.”
What INEOS will do in January with their goalkeeping department will be interesting to see, especially if Bayindir impresses while Onana struggles.
Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
