Manchester United make official approach to sign Inter Milan star

Manchester United have reportedly been in contact with Inter Milan over the possibility of signing one of their key players this summer.

The player in question is Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, who is being lined up by manager Louis van Gaal as a possible replacement for the unsettled David de Gea, according to Italian transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio.

A report earlier today in the Independent suggested that De Gea is keen to push through his proposed move to the Bernabeu, leaving United in a difficult position ahead of the new season.

With De Gea proving to be one of United’s best performers in 2014/15, it could be a tough task for Van Gaal to bring in an adequate replacement, even though Handanovic certainly looks a player of the right calibre to be a realistic option.

Victor Valdes was signed by United in the middle of the season just gone, but it remains to be seen if the former Barcelona man can get back to his very best form again after spending a lengthy period out injured prior to his move to Old Trafford.

The Metro states that Handanovic could be available for just £15m, which looks a good price for United as they search for a new number one without necessarily wanting to break the bank, with so many other targets also being linked with moves this summer as a number of other positions also look in need of strengthening.

Just last month, the Manchester Evening News spoke of potential deals for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo and Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, so £15m on Handanovic looks ideal for the club as they look to spend reasonably sensibly, while a player like Hugo Lloris (also on United’s radar, according to the Daily Star) would cost double that at £30m.