United’s old adversaries launch surprise move to hijack their deal for 6’8 monster available at a knockdown fee – report

Manchester United are reportedly facing competition from old rivals Leeds United in the race to sign Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

The goalkeeper position was a major problem for United as they endured a disastrous 2024/25 season that saw them finish in 15th place in the Premier League.

Neither Andre Onana nor his understudy, Altay Bayindir, did much to inspire confidence, and there’s a growing sense that neither is the long-term answer for United in goal. The two of them are facing uncertain futures at Old Trafford, with the club believed to be open to offloading them.

Milinkovic-Savic could replace Onana and Bayindir

The Red Devils continue to be linked to a number of shot-stoppers who could potentially replace Onana and Bayindir, with Milinkovic-Savic being one of them.

The Serbian is regarded as one of the best in his craft in Serie A. The 6-foot-8 Milinkovic-Savic helped Torino keep 11 clean sheets in the 39 appearances he made last term across all competitions. He conceded 40 goals in that period.

The 28-year-old was once on United’s books as a youth player, having arrived from Vojvodina in 2014. However, he left the club just a year later after failing to secure a work permit to play in England.

But, United are not the only outfit that have been mentioned to be eyeing him. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Napoli, fully aware of United’s interest in the player and in a bid to beat them to his signature, were advancing in talks to lure him to their ranks

Leeds eyeing Milinkovic-Savic

Now, it has emerged that newly-promoted Leeds are also keeping tabs on Milinkovic-Savic and are considering making a swoop for him.

Journalist Ciro Venerato spoke to Rai’s La Domenica Sportiva and CalcioNapoli24 [via SportWitness] and revealed the Yorkshire club’s interest in Milinkovic-Savic.

Venerato said, “For the goal, however, the new name is that of Milinković-Savić. Napoli are following him carefully but will have to deal with competition from Leeds.”

“They are also interested in the goalkeeper.”

This has been corroborated by Gianluca Di Marzio, who noted that Daniel Farke’s side have already asked for information about the United target.

Milinkovic-Savic has a release clause worth €19m for Italian clubs and around €21m for foreign teams like United and Leeds.

Featured image Paolo Bruno via Getty Images

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