Man Utd face transfer HIJACK threat from Premier League rival

Tom Weber

Updated: 28 Aug 2023 13:50 BST
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Nottingham Forest have submitted a bid for Manchester United target Odysseas Vlachodimos, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Red Devils are in the market for a backup to Andre Onana. Dean Henderson is expected to depart for Crystal Palace before the transfer window slams shut in a few days and United have been in the market for a number two for some time.

After being rejected by Zion Suzuki, Erik ten Hag and company began targeting Benfica's Odysseas Vlachodimos and Fenerbahce's Altay Bayindir, with the latter having already completed a 'pre-medical' to ascertain whether a back issue could cause complications further down the line.

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Indeed, it is Bayindir who is expected to be chosen as Man Utd's new goalkeeper, with Turkish media and Fabrizio Romano reporting that a deal is being finalised. Vlachodimos, meanwhile, is the backup option should any issues with the Bayindir deal arise.

But Man Utd aren't the only ones interested in the wantaway Benfica keeper.

Forest bid submitted

According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest have sent an official bid to the Portuguese giants for the Greek international. "Nottingham Forest submit [a] formal bid for Odisseas Vlachodimos," Romano announced to his 18.4 million Twitter followers, "package close to [a] €9 million fee — it’s the first official bid from Forest"

"Benfica want more to make it happen but talks continue. Vlachodimos, Man Utd 2nd option as backup GK after priority Bayindir," he wrote. Despite having been the starting option last season - and keeping more clean sheets (21) in the league than he conceded goals (20) - Vlachodimos has fallen out of favour at Benfica.

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The final straw was reportedly when coach Roger Schmidt criticised him, which convinced him that it is time to move on. A transfer to Man Utd appears highly unlikely at this stage, but the former Stuttgart man could still be on his way to the Premier League should Forest be able to strike a deal.