Next Man Utd signing ‘imminent’ with deal to set record as Ten Hag weighs up two bargain goalkeepers

Man Utd are said to have submitted a formal offer to make Zion Suzuki their next signing after he was one of two low-cost goalkeepers linked with the club.

It is currently a pressing issue for Man Utd to strengthen their goalkeeping department. David de Gea’s contract has expired, meaning they need a new number one. Despite rumours that De Gea could stay, Man Utd are exploring their options.

In an ideal world, they want to replace the Spaniard with Andre Onana from Inter. On that front, Man Utd have increased their offer to €45m plus €5m in add-ons for the former Ajax shot-stopper. The whole package could come to around £42.7m.

Even if Man Utd succeed in bringing Onana to Old Trafford, they might need to sign a second goalkeeper. Last season, De Gea was supported by Martin Dubravka and then Jack Butland.

Both of those backup options were only on six-month loans, though, and will not be playing for Man Utd next season. There are also doubts about the future of Dean Henderson after his loan spell with Nottingham Forest, who expect to take him back on a permanent deal.

Therefore, Man Utd are in the market for a backup option to Onana as well. TEAMtalk exclusively revealed earlier this week that they have revived their interest in Yann Sommer from Bayern Munich.

But according to Sponichi, Man Utd are on the verge of signing Suzuki from Urawa Reds.

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Erik ten Hag’s side have supposedly made a ‘formal offer’ for the USA-born Japan international, whom they could pick up for £5m. It would make Suzuki the record export from the Japanese league to a foreign territory, surpassing £4.5m Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi.

Should Man Utd wrap up a deal for Suzuki, it would be the culmination of a six-year-long pursuit, which began when he caught their attention at the under-17 World Cup in 2017.

According to the report, Suzuki’s move to Man Utd is indeed ‘imminent’. There are no details yet of the length of contract that the 20-year-old would be signing in Manchester.

How concrete the news of Man Utd’s interest in Suzuki is has become something of a mystery, though, given that other sources are reporting about different targets.

Man Utd also linked with Bayindir for goalkeeping vacancy

For example, A Spor suggests Man Utd could activate a €5m (£4.27m) release clause to take Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce.

After four seasons with the Super Lig side, Bayindir could be due a move. That said, his contract is still due to last until 2027 after he agreed to an extension this year.

The caveat, of course, is the release clause that would allow him to leave Fenerbahce for a fairly small fee. And at the age of 25, the Turkey international might be ready to consider his options.

Whether Man Utd view him as an alternative target to Onana as their first choice, or someone who could act as their backup keeper, isn’t entirely clear at this moment in time.

The difference between Suzuki and Bayindir is that the former has already been acting in a backup role for his current club, whereas the latter is a regular starter for his.

Perhaps Bayindir may have more expectations of gametime when choosing his next club. But Man Utd’s interest could be something to consider if it is genuine.

For now, Ten Hag will be preparing for pre-season with Henderson and Tom Heaton as the goalkeepers at his disposal.