Man Utd target Bundesliga stopper to replace Onana but face £50m price

Manchester United have made an approach to sign Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos as a potential replacement for Andre Onana.

United are under pressure to recruit a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window following the unconvincing performances from both Onana and Altay Bayindir this season.

Onana, who was signed in a £47 million deal from Inter in 2023, was at fault for both goals in United’s 2-2 draw against Lyon in the Europa League last Thursday and was dropped for the Premier League match against Newcastle United last Sunday.

Bayindir deputised for the Cameroon international at St James’ Park but also made an error as Newcastle ran out 4-1 winners over United.

Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Onana will return for the second leg of United’s quarter-final tie against Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday night, but the club are now in the market to sign a new goalkeeper before the start of next season.

According to Bild, United have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible deal to sign Santos, who is also attracting interest from Tottenham.

The report adds that Tottenham’s technical director, Johan Lange, also held talks with Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche about a potential deal for Santos during last week’s game against the German side.

Frankfurt, however, view Santos as the long-term successor to Kevin Trapp and are demanding a €60m (£51.5m) transfer fee to sell the Brazilian goalkeeper this summer.

Speaking to Sport Bild this week, Krosche said: ‘We will definitely not sell Kaua this summer.’

Santos was signed by Frankfurt in a €1.6m (£1.3m) deal from Brazilian side Flamengo in 2023 but has only been part of the first-team squad this season.

Speaking earlier this season, Santos said that he shaped his own game around Manchester City’s Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson.

‘I’ve always liked Ederson, because he has that characteristic of playing with his feet,’ said Santos.

‘I think it’s fantastic to see a goalkeeper who manages to help the team in build-up play. It’s something I try to emulate in my game.’

United’s interest in a new goalkeeper comes amid a difficult campaign which has seen them slump to 14th in the Premier League table, with their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League resting on tonight’s Europa League clash against Lyon.