Benfica president closes door on Man Utd transfer deal as fresh plan hatched

Benfica president Rui Costa has blocked Manchester United’s move for goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos by pricing them out of a deal for the Greece international shot-stopper. The Red Devils had been eyeing a swoop for the 29-year-old in anticipation that Dean Henderson could depart the club before the September 1 transfer deadline.

Henderson is currently second in demand at United but he could be offered the chance to become first-choice at Crystal Palace or Nottingham Forest, where he spent last season on loan.

United had therefore been putting plans in place to land a replacement but they now look set to sign 25-year-old Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir after their move for Vlachodimos hit a snag.

That’s because Benfica chief Costa has requested at least £8.5m to sanction the departure of Vlachodimos – a price United are not willing to pay.

Erik ten Hag has already splashed £179m on three summer transfer deals including the £47m acquisition of Onana from Inter Milan and finances are now tight.

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The Red Devils instead look likely to press ahead with the signing of Bayindir, who is available for around £4.5m plus add-ons.

Although the deal could rise to £6m in bonuses, United would be saving cash on a player that ultimately will be warming the bench.

Members of United’s medical staff conducted tests on Bayindir’s recent back problem in Athens, Greece on Monday ahead of a potential transfer.

Should they be satisfied with the results, the club are poised to rubber-stamp the deal which would enable Henderson to move onto pastures new.

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Crystal Palace are currently leaving Forest in the battle for the England international’s signature.

Meanwhile, Vlachodimos is likely to remain in Lisbon where competition for places has intensified following the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk’s Anatoliy Trubin.

United had looked at other goalkeepers earlier in the window including Urawa Red Diamonds starlet Zion Suzuki.

Suzuki has instead opted to snub an offer from United, however, to join Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden.

The Japan international wants to represent his nation at the Olympic Games and knows he would be short of minutes this season if he was to complete a dream switch to Old Trafford.

United are still hopeful there will be some wiggle room to bring in another midfield before the transfer deadline.

Ryan Gravenberch and Sofyan Amrabat remain of interest to Ten Hag as the club continue to work on outgoings.

Full-back Brandon Williams looks set to reunite with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former assistant Kieran McKenna at Ipswich Town.

Winger Facundo Pellistri is also in talks over a loan move to Sheffield United.

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