Inter Milan have reportedly rejected Manchester United's opening bid to sign goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The Red Devils are in the market for a new number one this summer after seeing David de Gea's contract expire on June 30.
The Spanish shot-stopper has now become a free agent, and although United remain in talks over a potential new deal, it appears increasingly unlikely that the 32-year-old will agree to penning fresh terms significantly below his previous £375,000-a-week salary.
Man United manager Erik ten Hag is said to be keen to recruit a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet, with Cameroon international Onana believed to be high on his list of summer targets.
Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta confirmed over the weekend that Man United are interested in signing the 27-year-old, who kept 19 clean sheets in 41 appearances for the Italian giants last season.
© Reuters
A recent report claims that the Red Devils have put forward an official proposal to sign Onana and they are ready to press ahead in negotiations for the former Ajax shot-stopper.
However, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, via GetFootballNewsItaly, claims that United's opening offer worth €40m (£34.3m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in bonuses has been rejected by Inter.
The Nerazzurri are said to value Onana closer to €60m (£51.4m) and would entertain offers worth an initial €50m (£42.9m) plus €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons.
The report adds that both clubs will remain in negotiations, but Inter are keen to conclude their transfer business before July 20 ahead of travelling to Japan for their pre-season tour.
© Reuters
Inter's current valuation of Onana is thought to be above what Man United can afford as they seek to avoid breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.
Ten Hag is understood to have been handed a £100m transfer budget this summer and that can only increase if a number of first-team players are sold.
The likes of Fred, Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire and Dean Henderson – one of just two recognised first-team goalkeepers along with Tom Heaton – have all been linked with permanent moves away from Old Trafford this summer.
Man United are on the verge of forking over over half of their summer transfer budget on Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, who has passed his medical ahead of completing his £60m move to Old Trafford.
Oliver Thomas
