MX23RW : Sunday, June 2 13:15:11| >> :120:6988:6988:

Manchester United 'keeping tabs on Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos'

Man United 'keeping tabs on Benfica's Vlachodimos'
© Reuters
Manchester United are reportedly contemplating whether to make an approach for Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos.

Manchester United reportedly hold an interest in signing Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos.

With David de Gea departing Old Trafford and Dean Henderson persistently being linked with a transfer elsewhere, Erik ten Hag has been required to give serious thought to his goalkeeping situation this summer.

Although United have made the big-money acquisition of Inter Milan stopper Andre Onana, there remains uncertainty over who will fill the role of deputy.

While Henderson has been on the substitutes' bench for United's opening two Premier League fixtures, the England international remains a target for the likes of Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.

Furthermore, as a result of United's weak FFP position at a time when they still want to make new signings, it would prove beneficial to sell Henderson and acquire an alternative for a lower fee.

Dean Henderson celebrates Nottingham Forest's goal on August 14, 2022© Reuters

Henderson's preference is also first-team football over remaining as backup at the Red Devils, and it now appears that United are ready to try to instigate further changes to Ten Hag's squad.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United are assessing whether it is possible to secure a deal for Benfica's Vlachodimos.

The 29-year-old is currently one of the Portuguese giants' longest-serving players, making a total of 225 appearances since his arrival in 2018.

Vlachodimos was an ever-present as Benfica won the Primeira Liga title in 2022-23, with a further 10 outings coming during the club's run to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag before the match on May 4, 2023© Reuters

Benfica's position is further strengthened by the Greece international possessing a contract until 2027 and the club not being in a position where they have to sell their most important players.

Nevertheless, Romano suggests that Vlachodimos is currently top of United's options to fill the backup position behind Onana for this season.

As it stands, it is unclear whether Vlachodimos would consider that role, particularly when Ten Hag largely opted against rotating De Gea and various deputy options during a packed schedule last season.

Meanwhile, Benfica may insist on generating a fee similar to United's valuation of Henderson given his status at Estadio da Luz.

ID:521736:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4058:

Click here for more stories about Odisseas Vlachodimos

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis in action for Portugal Under-21s on June 6, 2021
Read Next:
Manchester United 'scout Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!