‘I know him very well’ – Antony praises ‘very strong’ Man Utd transfer target

Antony has praised ‘very strong’ Andre Onana as Manchester United continue to work on a deal to sign the goalkeeper from Inter Milan.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Erik ten Hag has identified the Inter shot-stopper as his No. 1 choice to replace the departed David de Gea at Old Trafford.

De Gea has been a mainstay at United for over a decade but Ten Hag wants a ball-playing goalkeeper between the sticks and has focused his attention on Onana.

Onana, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax, joined Inter Milan this time last year and helped the Serie A club reach the Champions League final in June.

The Cameroon international is keen to secure a move to Manchester United, having already agreed personal terms with the Premier League giants.

But United, who are looking to build on a promising first season under Ten Hag, still need to agree a deal with Inter Milan, who rejected an opening offer worth around £35m.

Manchester United remain optimistic of bringing the 27-year-old to the Theatre of Dreams and Antony would welcome his former team-mate to the club with open arms.

‘I know him very well, we played together at Ajax,’ the Brazilian winger told La Gazzetta dello Sport. ‘He is a great goalkeeper and a nice person.’

Asked whether he wanted Manchester United to complete a deal for Onana, Antony added: ‘It’s not for me to say, because it’s the club’s decision and not mine.

‘I can only say that he is definitely very strong. And that there is a very good relationship between us.’

Manchester United made Chelsea and England star Mason Mount their first signing of the summer but intend to sign another midfielder and a striker during the summer window.

MORE : Erik ten Hag rates Manchester United teenager Isak Hansen-Aaroen

MORE : Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow speaks out on Man Utd interest

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.