Man Utd target German as transfer ‘talks’ with Crystal Palace begin; Romano makes Martial stance clear
Manchester United are looking into the possibility of signing Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have already brought Andre Onana to the club this summer in an attempt to upgrade on David de Gea, who left Old Trafford after 12 years at the club.
Dean Henderson has been on the bench for both of Man Utd’s opening matches against Wolves and Tottenham but there are rumours he could now leave the club.
The Daily Mail claimed yesterday that Henderson – who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest – is attracting interest from Crystal Palace with the Eagles and Man Utd beginning talks over a possible summer move.
It is understood that Palace are ‘exploring a move for goalkeeper Henderson with the door remaining open as Nottingham Forest have yet to seal his signing‘.
Vicente Guaita has made it clear that he wants to leave Selhurst Park this summer and Sam Johnstone has been installed as their new number one.
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And now Man Utd are lining up a move for Benfica goalkeeper Vlachodimos – who was born in Germany but plays for the Greek national team – in case they lose Henderson to Palace or any other club this summer.
Romano wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “EXCL: Manchester United now exploring move for Odisseas Vlachodimos who’s expected to leave Benfica #MUFC Vlachodimos, top of Man Utd list as new backup GK in case Dean Henderson joins Crystal Palace or Forest.”
Anthony Martial is another squad player who could leave Man Utd this summer but Romano has revealed that Erik ten Hag is “not desperate to sell”.
Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Manchester United’s position on Martial is clear: they’re happy with him staying, not desperate to sell. They’ll only let him go in case of receiving an important proposal.
“Despite approaches and contacts, there’s still no formal bid on the table for Martial at this stage. Let’s see what happens until the end of the window.”
Man Utd missed a number of chances in the first half of their 2-0 loss to Tottenham and Ten Hag bemoaned their lack of cutting edge.
“You have seen today, the performance first half (was) very good, but you have to understand you have to score a goal,” Ten Hag said after the match.
“Because of the meaning of the first goal, players have to take responsibility. Focus, passion and desire in this moment to keep the overview and score the first goal.
“It’s about belief and we believe these players because of last year as well. They can score goals.
“But it is obvious why we signed a striker. If everything goes well, (Anthony) Martial is on (his) way back, Hojlund is coming, so we have more players capable to score a goal, but also the players on the pitch, they can score goals.”
