Man Utd reach 'verbal agreement' with Odysseas Vlachodimos over contract as Benfica asking price revealed

Manchester United have reached a 'verbal agreement' with Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos over a move to Old Trafford, according to a Sky Sports journalist.

United are on the search for a backup goalkeeper to Andre Onana, with Dean Henderson expected to leave the club this summer.

The England international has attracted interest from Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, although the latter have signed Matt Turner from Arsenal as their first-choice goalkeeper.

United were interested in Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, but he rejected a move to Old Trafford in favour of joining Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden on loan.

And The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the club had completed pre-medical tests on Fenerbahce shot-stopper Altay Bayindir. However, a €5 million deal is said to be dependent on whether Henderson departs this summer.

Now, it appears that United have turned their attentions elsewhere.

Man Utd 'reach verbal agreement' with goalkeeper

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed: "Understand that Odysseas Vlachodimos has received an offer from Man Utd.

"He could sign a contract until 2028. Price valuation: Around €15m. Ten Hag wants him but there's no final decision as Altay Bayindir is also in the race.

"Vlachodimos would be ready to challenge Onana."

❗️🆕: Understand that Odysseas #Vlachodimos has received an official offer from ManUtd. He could sign a contract until 2028.

➡️ It’s a verbal agreement in principle
➡️ Price valuation: Around €15m.

Ten Hag wants him but there’s no final decision as Altay #Bayindir is also… pic.twitter.com/9l0fd8X7aC

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 24, 2023

Vlachodimos, who was born in Germany but represents Greece at international level, has spent five years at Benfica.

The 29-year-old has made over 200 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese giants, but was dropped by manager Roger Schmidt for their Liga Portugal fixture against Estoril last weekend.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Vlachodimos had a 'heated discussion' with Schmidt, leading to him being dropped for the Estoril clash. As a result, it is claimed that the Greece shot-stopper wants to leave the club this summer.

United had two goalkeepers on their bench against Tottenham last weekend - Dean Henderson and Radek Vitek.

Tom Heaton remains on the club's books, but is currently recovering from an injury he suffered in training prior to the opening weekend of the campaign.