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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.

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