By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

2nd Jul, 2023 | 7:00pm

Pete O'Rourke column: Man United eye 'huge' De Gea upgrade, West Ham target ex-Chelsea man, Onana move update

Welcome to the latest edition of my biweekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.

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MAN UNITED

David De Gea‘s Red Devils contract expired on Friday (30 June) and it looks increasingly likely that he will not return to the club.

I’m told he agreed and signed a new deal with a pay cut, only for Man United to reduce the offer even further at the eleventh hour.

It’s not a great look for Man United – and sources say the decision comes down to reservations Erik ten Hag has about his ability.

I’m told Ten Hag doesn’t fully trust De Gea and is looking to bring in a new goalkeeper – but the Spaniard has little desire to stick around and play second fiddle to a new arrival.

The name at the top of the list is Inter Milan’s Andre Onana.

Ten Hag knows all about the Cameroon international from their time together at Ajax, and his distribution and reading of the game is seen as a huge upgrade on De Gea.

However, I’m told it will take a bid of £50million to prise him away from Inter – and that kind of outlay will hurt United’s pursuit of a marquee striker.

Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been the subject of a few enquiries.

Luton want an experienced number one for their maiden Premier League campaign, while Everton have also made contact following Asmir Begovic’s exit.

But Man United are not willing to let Heaton depart due to their lack of goalkeeping options, and the 37-year-old is stuck in limbo.

Dean Henderson‘s move to Nottingham Forest is also in jeopardy – and the longer it drags on, Steve Cooper’s side could be forced to look at alternative targets.

I’m told Henderson is Forest’s number one priority and he is willing to return permanently – but if United continue to hold on to him, they will be forced to look elsewhere.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

WEST HAM

The Irons are putting plans in place ahead of Declan Rice’s expected exit to Arsenal.

David Moyes is an admirer of Juventus star Denis Zakaria, who didn’t have a great time on loan at Chelsea last season – making just 11 appearances.

I’m told it is unlikely he will break into the Juve side next term, and thus is seen as an attainable target for West Ham chiefs.

Fulham’s Joao Palhinha remains the top target to replace Rice.

However, sources say it is looking like West Ham will be priced out of a move for his services – with the Cottagers setting their asking price at £60million.

Meanwhile, Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse, Everton youngster Amadou Onana and Ajax star Edson Alvarez are all on the radar.

The Irons are ready to reinvest most of the £105million fee received for Rice.

Moyes is keen to add two central midfielders to his squad – as well as a winger and left-back.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WEST HAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

EVERTON

The Toffees are yet to make a summer signing despite losing four players last month, and I’m told they are in for a difficult window.

Sources say Sean Dyche’s hands are tied – Everton need to bring money in before making any moves.

The Merseysiders need to raise funds to balance the books and allow any manoeuvrability in the market.

I’m told that means they could be vulnerable to bids for the likes of Amadou Onana, Jordan Pickford and Demarai Gray.

A top priority in terms of incomings is the strike force.

Dyche wants two strikers to improve the goalscoring situation after struggling in the 2022-23 campaign.

Everton are open to offers for Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms, and are interested in signing Viktor Gyokeres from Coventry City.

However, the Sky Blues are demanding £20million and sources say Dyche will need to wheel and deal to make any deals possible.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE EVERTON NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS