Man Utd take BIG first step to signing ‘world-class’ star ‘all of Europe’s top clubs’ want

Manchester United have reportedly joined a number of top European sides who are keeping close tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos ahead of the summer transfer window, with initial contact already made.

There are expected to be major changes to the goalkeeping department at Old Trafford this summer amid uncertainty over Andre Onana and also his deputy Altay Bayindir, with both shot-stoppers proven to be error-prone – as has been fully on show in recent weeks.

Onana was culpable for both goals United conceded in the 2-2 Europa League draw with Lyon last week, with the 29-year-old subsequently dropped for the Premier League defeat to Newcastle last weekend as a result.

Bayindir was given the chance to prove his credentials in the game at St James' Park but ended up fluffing his lines, as he conceded four goals from six shots on target and was at fault for the home side's final strike on an embarrassing afternoon for Ruben Amorim's men.

However, the Man Utd boss has confirmed that Onana will return leg in Europe against Lyon on Thursday night, although that has not stopped the noise around an expected an exit and over who could replace the Cameroon international.

Several names are already being thrown around, including the likes of Burnley's James Trafford and Espanyol's Joan Garcia, while TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher has put the record straight on reported interest in Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale.

But it's outstanding Frankfurt star Santos who now appears to have emerged as a top target for the Red Devils, a player they are said to have initially tracked last summer.

Santos, 23, is being heavily tipped to become the successor to Ederson and Alisson in the Brazil national team set-up, such is the buzz surrounding his progress in Germany this season.

Man Utd move for Santos already in the works

According to Sport Bild, United have already taken a big first step towards trying to strike a deal for the talented stopper, having already made an enquiry for him as they look to potentially get a deal over the line.

According to the German news outlet, “all of Europe's top clubs” have Santos on their radar, with his incredible performance at Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League last week fully showcasing his talents.

Indeed, it's reported that Spurs technical director Johan Lange asked about his availability after that game, but he was not alone as United's new director of recruitment Christopher Vivell also spoke to Frankfurt chief Markus Krosche about Santos's 'future plans'.

Sport Bild adds that any club who wants to try and snap up the player will face a fee in excess of €60million (£51m / $68m to secure his services though, with Frankfurt not actively looking to offload him.