Manchester United appear to be advancing their efforts to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.
Given his struggles between the sticks this season, first-choice keeper Andre Onana has been unable to inspire confidence at Old Trafford.
It came as little surprise when he was dropped from the starting 11 against Newcastle United, particularly given his poor performance against Lyon earlier in the week.
This has divided the Man United management team, with manager Ruben Amorim seemingly running out of patience for the Cameroonian.
Given the lack of belief in Onana’s ability to meet the club’s lofty expectations, it appears that United are on the prowl for a replacement.
Cope reported that Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García is on United’s radar, with the club advancing their pursuit of the Spaniard.
“Joan García continues to be popular, and interest in his signing is growing daily, with his performances in charge of the Espanyol goal,” the article explained.
“Juanma Castaño, director and presenter of COPE’s El Partidazo, revealed that the latest club to have contacted him to make him “an offer” is Manchester United. This was specifically last Sunday.”
“Man U’s move follows the already known move by Arsenal and many others who, with varying degrees of secrecy, may have approached Juanma López, the Sallent goalkeeper’s agent,” the article continued, suggesting that a transfer war could be brewing between United and Arsenal.
“Little has been heard about Real Madrid in recent hours, considering that both Courtois and Lunin have current contracts and have not expressed any intention of leaving the club. In Manchester, on the other hand, they are in a hurry to find an alternative to the controversial André Onana, who is not well-liked by the Old Trafford crowd, as he tends to alternate outstanding performances with grotesque afternoons.”
With so much interest in the player coming to light, it appears that his current club may be considering allowing him to leave, depending on whether they get a good deal for him.
“Espanyol has accepted that it could lose Joan García in the summer, for the common good, although the option that has not been ruled out is that they could fight with the ‘big’ club that wants Joan so that he can remain on loan at Espanyol for another season,” the report concluded.
It was also mentioned that García’s release clause is valued at €25 million, with a drop to €15 million no longer relevant as the club has avoided relegation from La Liga this season.
Still, this price is well within reason for United and could certainly make the Spaniard a top transfer target for Amorim given his affordability.
What’s more, his reasonable cost could prove even more important if United truly are willing to slash Onana’s price by over £20 million as a means of forcing a sale.
Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
