Manchester United firm up approach for Onana?

Following earlier enquiries over signing Amadou Onana, Manchester United are believed to have approached Everton about a deal worth £50m for the Belgian midfielder.

According to Jacob Steinberg, writing in the Guardian, the club is reluctant to sanction the loss of a player only one year into a 5 year contract. In the current market, which has seen midfielders switch clubs for immense fees, a reported £50m is quoted as the bare miniumum Everton would be willing to entertain.

Having joined from Lille last summer for around £23m the 21 year old has shown glimpses of the quality that marked him out as one of the highest rated young midfielders in Europe. Featuring in 33 of Everton’s Premier League games last season he produced only 1 goal and 2 assists but impressed with his energy and commitment.

United manager Erik Ten Hag is believed to be looking to bolster his midfield’s physical presence. Having failed to make progress in the persuit of Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, Onana is the next name on the club’s list.

It is not believed that Everton are under pressure to sell, either to meet FFP requirements or to fund their continued search for senior support for Dominic Calvert Lewin. They also rejected an approach for the player from Chelsea in January.

Steinberg’s report states that Ten Hag “feels United need more height but he does not want to compromise on quality.” The report added: “United believe Onana is more than a destroyer and is good enough on the ball to play for Ten Hag”.