Manchester United closing in on signing Thomas Strakosha

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on singing 27-year-old Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha in a Bosman move.

According to talkSPORT, Premier League giants Manchester United are closing in on a move for 27-year-old Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, who is now a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Lazio last month.

The Red Devils are targeting the Albanian shot-stopper to replace Dean Henderson, who has joined newly-promoted side Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan.

Strakosha joined Lazio in the 2016 summer transfer window and was their first-choice goalkeeper before Pepe Reina’s arrival in 2020 meant he dropped down the pecking order.

But the former Liverpool star’s drop in form in the recently-concluded season pushed Strakosha back into contention, and the 27-year-old made 31 appearances across all competitions for the Serie A club. He amassed a total of 208 appearances for the Biancocelesti, keeping 62 clean sheets in the process.

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However, Strakosha’s contract expired last month, and he is now a free agent. Fulham were said to be closing in on a move for the Albanian international, but they have shifted their focus towards Arsenal’s Bernd Leno. Chelsea have also expressed interest in the shot-stopper, with Kepa Arrizabalaga looking likely to leave this summer.

Recent reports have, however, labelled Manchester United as the favourites for the goalkeeper’s signature. The Red Devils have held discussions with the player’s representatives, and an official offer can be expected in the coming weeks.

New manager Erik ten Hag has been clear about having David de Gea as his first-choice goalkeeper, which paved the way for Henderson’s exit. The English international was keen to get regular game-time, which suffered a significant cut last season following de Gea’s return to form.

The likes of Newcastle United, Fulham and Nottingham Forest were all linked with Henderson, and he eventually chose to join the Tricky Trees on a season-long loan. Meanwhile, Manchester United have completed just one signing so far this summer. Left-back Tyrell Malacia has arrived from Feyenoord, with the Red Devils said to be in discussions for many other deals, including ones for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez.