United target reaches verbal agreement with rival club amid late INEOS hijack claims – report

Manchester United are expected to pursue the signing of a top goalkeeper before transfer deadline day.

The performances of Andre Onana and Altay Bayındır last season have left Ruben Amorim with little choice but to consider upgrading his goalkeeping department.

While hopes of United signing a new ‘keeper had begun to fade, Fabrizio Romano offered some reassurance last weekend.

The European transfer guru revealed that, in addition to a striker signing, plans were in place for INEOS to bring in both a midfielder and a shot-stopper.

Naturally, several goalkeepers have been linked with a move to Old Trafford. But Romano has also highlighted one name United may need to cross off their transfer wish list.

John Victor to Man United is off; only a last-minute hijack could save the deal

Romano reveals West Ham have reached a “verbal agreement” to sign John Victor from Botafogo – a player United had been strongly linked to.

🚨⚒️ EXCL: West Ham reach verbal agreement to sign John as new goalkeeper from Botafogo.

€10m package almost agreed with final details being sorted, John agreed terms and the deal is almost sealed.

Documents being checked… and then, here we go. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/8r1LGWb0yc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2025

Tweet: “EXCL: West Ham reach verbal agreement to sign John as new goalkeeper from Botafogo. €10m package almost agreed with final details being sorted, John agreed terms and the deal is almost sealed. Documents being checked… and then, here we go.”

INEOS hijack hinted at

The Peoples Person relayed reports of a potential United hijack of this West Ham United Botafogo raid.

It was claimed United were quietly monitoring the Victor situation behind the scenes, and were prepared to match the player’s release clause if triggered.

However, with no movement from United, while West Ham have been actively submitting bids and reached a verbal agreement, the writing appears to be on the wall.

Yes, United are keen on a goalkeeper, but they may have had reservations about the 6ft 5in 2024 Copa Libertadores winner.

Perhaps the 29-year-old’s Club World Cup heroics against Paris Saint-Germain were not enough to convince them to make a formal bid. Either way, United continue to be linked with some of Europe’s finest keepers.

PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma is reportedly on their radar. Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens is also widely reported to be under consideration.

Either signing would represent a solid addition, providing ideal competition for Onana between the sticks.
Featured image Buda Mendes via Getty Images

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