Man Utd battling Leeds and Sunderland for transfer that selling club says 'has to happen'

Manchester United are battling Leeds United and Sunderland for the signing of a new goalkeeper, according to reports. It has been a frustrating window for the Red Devils, who have been relatively quiet since the arrival of Matheus Cunha last month. They remain in talks over a potential move for Bryan Mbeumo but are struggling to close out the deal.

United have also been tipped to sign a new goalkeeper with Andre Onana failing to impress at times last season. Monaco were linked with the Cameroon international earlier in the window but he is believed to be keen on staying at Old Trafford. However, it seems United have already started looking at other options.

They are interested in Royal Antwerp stopper Senne Lammens, according to Belgian outlet Gazet van Antwerpen. The report states that multiple Premier League clubs are weighing up moves for the 23-year-old ahead of the new campaign.

Leeds are thought to be considering Lammens as a potential replacement for Illan Meslier, who made a number of high-profile errors last season. Sunderland, meanwhile, reportedly view him as an upgrade on Anthony Patterson.

Aston Villa are said to be keeping tabs on the situation in case Emiliano Martinez leaves before the end of the window. Newcastle could also move for Lammers if they fail in their efforts to land James Trafford from Burnley.

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Royal Antwerp sporting director Marc Overmars recently insisted that Lammers would be leaving the club this summer, having already signed Taishi Brandon Nozawa to succeed him between the sticks.

"The transfer of Senne Lammens has to happen because we've already signed his replacement," said Overmars. "We'd rather not see a Butez-Lammens scenario again. Senne is our most sought-after player. There are plenty of clubs ready to make a move."

It is not clear if United view Lammens as a possible replacement for Onana or if he would be used as a back-up goalkeeper. In any case, the Red Devils will be forced to make a change in goal when the Premier League season gets underway.

That is because Onana has picked up a hamstring injury which is likely to rule him out for the early part of the campaign. According to The Telegraph, senior figures are worried that he could be sidelined for up to eight weeks.

United already have Altay Bayindir, Radek Vitek and Tom Heaton in their goalkeeping ranks alongside Onana. They were previously linked with a move for Martinez but are not believed to be working on a potential transfer as things stand.

Onana is set to travel on United's pre-season tour of the United States but will not be involved in any of their matches. The Red Devils will face Leeds in Stockholm later this week before flying across the Atlantic to step up their preparations.

They will play matches against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton before returning home for a friendly against Fiorentina at Old Trafford. Their first game of the new Premier League season will see them host Arsenal on August 17.

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