Newcastle United have set their sights on signing Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, but face competition from Antonio Conte, according to a report from 90min.
The 25-year-old is set to be a free agent in the summer, but he has just completed a doping suspension after taking a banned substance.
The Cameroon international was back on the bench for Erik ten Hag’s side in the last match before the two-week November international break.
As it stands, it’s reportedly unlikely that Onana will sign a new contract with the Dutch giants, for whom his last appearance came in January.
If Onana doesn’t put pen to paper on a new deal, ten Hag may sanction the sale of one of his former stars in the New Year.
According to 90min, Tottenham and Inter Milan are amongst the other clubs chasing his signature.
Onana started every game of Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19. He’s made 204 appearances for the reigning Eredivisie champions and got 83 clean sheets from those games (Transfermarkt).
However, the report adds that Conte is keen to bring Onana to North London, with his captain Hugo Lloris out of contract in the summer and the Italian wants the World Cup winner to have stiff competition, regardless of his future.
Onana’s stock may have dropped due to his period of inactivity, but at the age of 25, he is still one of Europe’s most talented goalkeepers.
Plus, he has had six years at Ajax, a team that has had to deal with the pressure and expectation of winning.
That winning mentality can only have a positive influence in the Newcastle dressing room and with Onana keen to rebuild his once burgeoning reputation, the Magpies could benefit from signing a man who has a big point to prove.
Although Eddie Howe currently has the options of Karl Darlow, Martin Dubravka and Freddie Woodman, Onana would be a massive step up in class and a statement signing to announce the new era.
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