Manchester United have “intensified” their interest in Marc-Andre ter Stegen with Barcelona open to the German goalkeeper’s departure this summer, according to a report from Spain.
Barcelona completed the signing of Joan Garcia from local rivals Espanyol last week in a £21 million deal on a six-year contract. The 24-year-old had himself been linked with a move to Old Trafford as United considered options to upgrade Ruben Amorim’s goalkeeping unit.
Neither of the existing options, Andre Onana or Altay Bayindir, have impressed since the Portuguese coach’s arrival from Sporting CP in November.
But United’s budget this summer will be heavily directed towards the misfiring forward line with a £62.5 million deal for Matheus Cunha already agreed and negotiations ongoing over a similarly priced move for Bryan Mbeumo.
A new number nine is also considered an urgent priority with the premium options on the market – Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko – expected to cost in excess of £60 million.
This emphasis on securing top attacking talent will leave little room for a new goalkeeper, however. Bayindir is expected to leave while Onana is ready to rebuff interest from Saudi Arabia in favour of proving himself at Old Trafford next season.
As such, a new number two was believed to be on the agenda this summer, to provide competition for Onana, rather than outright replace the Cameroon international.
However, United made contact with the agents of Gianluigi Donnarumma after contract talks between the Paris Saint-Germain and the Italian goalkeeper stalled. Similarly, the Reds have reportedly made advances to sign Aston Villa number one, Emiliano Martinez.
This suggests that if the club are presented a unique opportunity in the market to secure an upgrade on Onana, they may change tactics and direct funds towards a goalkeeper – and Ter Stegen may present exactly that opportunity.
Barcelona have signed Garcia with the expectation of the 24-year-old becoming the number one at Camp Nou. This would effectively displace Ter Stegen with two other goalkeepers – Wojciech Szczęsny and Inaki Pena – also in Hansi Flick’s squad at present.
Spanish outlet Fichajes reveals the Blaugrana are hoping a “good offer from England could facilitate a deal” for Ter Stegen to leave this summer, despite the German still ranking highly for goalkeepers across Europe.
The report reveals United and Chelsea are set to go head to head for Ter Stegen after both Premier League clubs “intensified” their interest.
“The Premier League is emerging as the only viable destination, both sportingly and financially. Two English giants have emerged as serious candidates: Manchester United and Chelsea.
“At Old Trafford, doubts surrounding André Onana’s performance have pushed the board to consider new alternatives between the sticks. Ter Stegen’s profile, seasoned on the big stages and with a great ball-striking ability, fits the type of goalkeeper they are looking for for the new project.”
Whether United would be able to trump Chelsea in negotiations for Ter Stegen with the guarantee of Champions League football next season at Stamford Bridge remains to be seen.
Feature image Alex Caparros via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
