Man Utd transfer hijacked as Nott’m Forest lodge tempting bid; two other deals affected

Nottingham Forest have thundered in with a formal offer for a Manchester United target, and a successful swoop has ramifications for two other Red Devils deals, per reports.

It’s been all change in the goalkeeping departments at both Forest and United this summer. Indeed, the Red Devils have seen David de Gea leave as a free agent after 12 glittering years of service. Andre Onana was drafted in as his direct replacement to the tune of £47.2m.

Elsewhere, back-up stoppers Nathan Bishop (Sunderland) and Matej Kovar (Bayer Leverkusen) have left in permanent exits. Dean Henderson’s future is also expected to lay away from the club.

Forest, meanwhile, saw frontline goalkeepers Dean Henderson and Keylor Navas (PSG) both return to their parents clubs following the conclusion of their loan spells.

Matt Turner filled the void when arriving from Arsenal, though Steve Cooper is determined to add a second major name between the sticks. Over at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag is also sizing up a second addition in goal.

One player the Dutchman targeted is Greece international, Odysseas Vlachodimos.

The 29-year-old plies his trade at club level for Benfica and was initially installed as United’s No 1 target, per Fabrizio Romano.

However, Benfica president, Rui Costa, reportedly priced United out of a move when demanding ‘at least £8.5m’ for Vlachodimos.

That resulted in United switching focus to Fenerbahce’s Altay Bayindir who is available for a more modest £6m.

Now, in a fresh update from Romano, it has been confirmed Vlachodimos remains on United’s shortlist. However, Nottingham Forest have thundered in with a formal bid for the Greek.

Romano tweeted Forest have tabled an offer worth around €9m (approx. £7.7m). The bid is below Rui Costa’s valuation and as such, is unlikely to be accepted.

However, Romano stressed talks between Forest and Benfica are continuing and it appears probable a second and improved offer will be lodged.

Bayindir, Henderson ramifications

In the event Forest are successful in landing the Man Utd target, all eyes will be on whether Man Utd wrap up their pursuit of Bayindir.

The 25-year-old has already flown to England ahead of the proposed move and pre-medical checks have already taken place in Turkey.

An agreement worth €7m (approx. £6m) has reportedly been struck and if the move crosses the line, Dean Henderson will then have the greenlight to leave.

Ironically enough, Henderson had been a target for Forest following his successful loan spell last season.

However, it’s Crystal Palace who are in pole position having agreed a package totalling £20m. Henderson is understood to have travelled to London on Saturday evening ahead of undergoing a medical.

If Vlachodimos winds up at Forest, the likeliest outcome is Man Utd will then sign Bayindir and Henderson will join Palace.

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