Manchester United could be stuck with Andre Onana despite being prepared to take a major hit on their No.1 goalkeeper.
The Cameroon international joined United two years ago from Inter in a £47.2million transfer.
Having worked under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, Onana was expected to help play a major role in implementing the Dutchman’s philosophy at Old Trafford with playing out from the back a key principle.
The reality could not, however, have been more different with the 29-year-old proving anything but a fitting successor to the long-serving David de Gea.
Only the failings of his deputy, Altay Bayindir, have spared Onana from lengthy spells out of the first team, but United are now prepared to cut their ties.
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Ruben Amorim has sanctioned the former Ajax star’s departure with United setting a £30million asking price.
Monaco are understood to have shown interest in the player over the course of the last week, and although they will continue to monitor Onana’s situation they have no intention of paying the fee they have been quoted.
Onana has also been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side SC Neom, but they have addressed their goalkeeping issues with the signing of Marcin Bulka from Nice.
United, themselves, have been linked with a move for Emi Martinez but that move looks unlikely at present given the club’s financial constraints.
The Argentina World Cup winner is keen to leave Aston Villa but their £45m valuation means United will have to look elsewhere should they wish to sign a new goalkeeper.
In any case, a replacement for Onana, who returned to pre-season training on Monday, isn’t viewed as a priority at present.
For his part, Onana is happy to remain at United and fight for his place despite effectively having been made available for transfer.
United have already secured the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, but remain at loggerheads with Brentford over a fee for Bryan Mbuemo having already seen two bids rejected.
A new centre forward is on the agenda but with Viktor Gyokeres on the verge of joining Arsenal, alternative options are now being considered.
Another Villa player, Ollie Watkins, is on United’s radar but they are also considering a move for a free agent with Dominic Calvert-Lewin having been sounded out.