Inter Milan issue Andre Onana transfer update and hint at opening bid from Manchester United

Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has suggested that the Italian club has turned down a bid from Manchester United for goalkeeper Andre Onana.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News on Wednesday, United have identified Onana as their top transfer target to replace David de Gea, should the latter fail to sign a new contract. The Spaniard is technically a free agent after his contract at Old Trafford expired last week, but both parties remain in talks over the prospect of reaching an agreement for him to stay at the club.

Onana played under United boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax and is highly rated by the Dutchman, just as he is by several other big-name figures. He is an excellent distributor of the ball and would provide the ball-playing capabilities that United have been looking for in a shot-stopper.

Onana, who was hailed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola both before and after last month's Champions League final, is under contract at Inter until 2027. He only joined them last summer on a free transfer.

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That is why reports elsewhere have suggested that United could be forced to pay up to £60million to extract the Cameroonian from the San Siro. However, Inter chief Ausilio has indicated that the Reds have made an opening bid well short of their valuation.

"As of today [Wednesday], the proposals are not at the level we expected," said Ausilio. "Right now Onana is Inter's goalkeeper.

"He's one of the strengths of the team and with strong players we'd like to move forward.

"If opportunities arise, we'll evaluate them, but