MANCHESTER UNITED attempted a last-minute “hijack” of Aston Villa’s deal for Everton’s Amadou Onana, according to reports.
But Onana is still expected to complete his switch to Villa Park and will undergo his medical this weekend.
Villa stole a march on Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Barcelona to acquire the 22-year-old’s services.
But they had to fend off late interest from long-term admirers United to land Onana.
The Red Devils were willing to match Aston Villa’s £50m offer with higher financial terms.
But Onana had given his word to Unai Emery and the deal is “as good as complete”, claims Belgian news outlet Het Nieuwsblad.
The Belgian international is set to become Aston Villa’s record signing after agreeing a five-year-deal.
Everton will receive an initial £45m plus £5m in bonuses and ten per cent of any future sale.
Meanwhile, United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Onana has spent two seasons at Goodison Park after signing from Lille in a £33million deal, with the French club entitled to 20 per cent of his sell-on value.
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He has become a key player for Everton, making 72 appearances — including 37 last season in all competitions.
Onana will now fly to Birmingham to complete his medical and finalise the deal on Sunday.
Onana’s move will be completed in time for Villa’s pre-season tour of the United States this month.
Villa have already made a busy start to the transfer window, recruiting Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkley, Samuel Iling Junior, Enzo Barrenechea and Lewis Dobbin.
Jaden Philogene is also set to complete his £13.5 million move back to Villa in the next 24 hours after the club triggered a “matching rights” option.
The 22-year-old was one of the stars of the Championship last season, scoring 12 goals in 32 games for Hull as the club fell just short of the play-off places.
