Man Utd face Champions League competition for potential Onana replacement

Cameron Smith

1 Dec 2023 13:37 CST
3 min read

Inter Milan are considering a move for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier as they look to sign a long-term replacement for new Manchester United shot-stopper Andre Onana.

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The Italian giants signed Yann Sommer for €6.8 million this summer, but the Swiss international will turn 35 years old in December and is not a future solution for the San Siro side.

As a result, Inter are looking to sign a new goalkeeper in 2024, and Meslier is one option being monitored, according to reports.

Meslier, 23, is a long-term Man Utd target and he was expected to leave Leeds following their relegation to the Championship last season. However, the Frenchman stayed put at Elland Road and has played in all 18 of their league matches in the second tier this campaign.

But, he could still leave the club next year, as reported by Sport Mediaset reporter Marco Barzaghi.

He told his YouTube channel: “On the topic of goalkeepers, Meret was offered [to Inter], who has an expiring contract with Napoli.

“He could be, as a 26-year-old Italian free agent, an interesting alternative to grow and alternate with Sommer for another season.

© ProShots - Illan Meslier, Leeds United

“Or do you prefer Bento, who is a slightly younger Brazilian at Athletico Paranaense, who does however cost more than €10m.

“Another possibility is Meslier from Leeds, French ex-under-21 international with great promise who is in any case having an important enough growth.”

Do Man Utd still want Meslier?

Man Utd’s interest in Meslier dates back several years, but they opted to sign Onana instead of the young French ‘keeper during the most recent transfer window.

However, Onana has not lived up to expectations since moving to Old Trafford and there have been calls for back-up Altay Bayindir to be given a chance by Erik ten Hag.

Naturally, the Cameroon international has also been linked with an early exit and those rumours mean that Man Utd could perhaps turn to Meslier if Onana is unable to eradicate the errors that have crept into his game.

His form had improved in recent weeks, but Onana was at fault for Hakim Ziyech’s brace in midweek as Man Utd drew 3-3 against Galatasaray in the Champions League.

However, if Man Utd did decide to pursue a move for Meslier again, they would face competition from Inter, and a deal may be complicated by that interest.