Transfer Talk: Andre in line for giant payday as English clubs circle

Andre Onana was a standout performer for Inter Milan in the Champions League final despite losing to Manchester City in Istanbul.

The 27-year-old showed his class on the biggest stage, controlling the game from his box and doing his best to help the Serie A side try and upset Pep Guardiola's men.

He may have walked away from the final as a loser but it could benefit him in the long term as several clubs look at Onana as a potential summer signing.

Perfect for the Prem

Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are three high-profile clubs who are looking to sign a new keeper this summer and Onana has been linked with all of them.

The 34-cap international may be spoilt for choice when it comes to his next move.

United can offer him guaranteed minutes in the Champions League next term but he may have to compete with David de Gea for the No1 spot.

Joining Spurs comes with its risks. The North Londoners are in the middle of a rebuild and have just welcomed a new manager in Ange Postecoglou, meaning the future is uncertain.

A move to Chelsea seems most likely. The Blues are usually willing to pay a reasonable fee for a player they want and Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly keen on clearing out both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy immediately.

Happy to stay

Onana's situation at Inter puts the power in the hands of the club due to his willingness to stay in Milan.

In the aftermath of the Champions League final, he addressed his future, saying: "I'm so, so happy at Inter. At this professional level you never know what happens.

"I'm available for Inter, they decide and I will accept what they want. I'm happy at Inter."

The 6ft 2in keeper is under contract until 2027 and seems content with life in Italy.

He has already helped guide the Nerazzurri to two domestic cups in his debut season and may look to remain in the hopes of challenging for the title in 2023-24.

Pep's praises

Guardiola made history with City on Saturday but the seasoned tactician made sure to stop and praise Onana at full time in Turkey.

After being pictured whispering in the ear of the Senegal star, Pep also sang his praises in the post-match press conference.

He said: "When you have a goalkeeper like Onana who can read perfectly where everyone is to pass to, It is very, very difficult.

"It would be a tiny bit easier without this goalkeeper, but still very tough."

Top of the range

Onana ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to a modern goalkeeper.

Inter's No24 has successfully revived his career having served a nine-month ban for failing a drug test in 2021.

And not only is he now recognised as a world-class sweeper-keeper, but the three-time Eredivisie winner is also an exceptional shot-stopper with superb reflexes.

It may take a fee upwards of £50million to release him from his contract, but it would be worth it for a club like Chelsea or United to recruit someone they can trust in between the sticks.

Having walked away from Barcelona at just 18, Onana is not afraid to make tough choices and he may have another decision to make in the coming weeks.