Fabrizio Romano confirms Man Utd ‘working’ on second signing alongside Onana deal, as timeline for move emerges

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed Manchester United are pushing to complete a second signing in addition to Andre Onana, with Erik ten Hag busy improving his squad for the 2023-24 campaign.

Man Utd will have a new goalkeeper next season after David de Gea confirmed his exit from the club. The Red Devils had offered De Gea a new contract – which included a significant reduction on his £375,000-a-week wages – but subsequently pulled out of the discussions. The Spaniard is now a free agent after 12 years at Old Trafford.

Inter shot-stopper Onana is highly likely to be De Gea’s replacement in goal. The 27-year-old is not just a great keeper, but he can also play out from the back just as Ten Hag wants.

Man Utd are in advanced talks with Inter as they look at to add Onana to their squad. Man Utd began the bidding at €40million (£34.3m), only for this offer to be rejected by Inter.

Ten Hag’s side will need to bid €55m (£47.2m) to strike an agreement with Inter.

Writing on Twitter, Romano has explained how Man Utd are also attempting to sign 20-year-old keeper Zion Suzuki from Japanese club Urawa Reds.

Man Utd are ‘working’ on the deal and have opened talks with Suzuki to try and reach an agreement on personal terms. The Japan U21 starlet is one of three backup keeper options on Ten Hag’s list, though Romano does not name the other two players.

The journalist also provided some insight into when Man Utd might bring Suzuki to England. He states that they are focusing on Onana at the moment and will complete that move before starting negotiations with Suzuki’s current side.

Man Utd deal not as advanced as previously thought

As such, it might be a few weeks before Man Utd forge an agreement for Suzuki.

Reports have previously suggested Suzuki’s transfer to Man Utd to be ‘imminent’. However, it seems those claims were wide of the mark.

Ten Hag is creating a great succession plan for the Man Utd goalkeeper position. As Onana is 27, he can be Man Utd’s number one for at least four or five years. This will give Suzuki time to develop – potentially through loans – before beginning to challenge Onana for a starting role.

Man Utd already have Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton on their books. But Henderson is hoping to sign for Nottingham Forest on a permanent basis, while 37-year-old Heaton could soon retire.

Meanwhile, Barcelona may raid Man Utd for a talented young player and sign a classy star from Liverpool as well, according to reports.