Man Utd transfer ‘imminent’ with deal for Aston Villa target ‘probably’ concluded on Friday | OneFootball

Matej Kovar looks set to join Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen are likely to seal the signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Matej Kovar on Friday as a deal edges closer, according to reports.

The 23-year-old arrived at the Red Devils’ youth academy in 2018 from Czech side FC Slovacko with Kovar yet to make an appearance for the Man Utd first team.

Kovar has enjoyed three loan moves since being at Old Trafford with stints at Swindon Town and Burton Albion in League One, while he spent the whole of last season out on loan at Czech giants Sparta Prague.

He impressed in 32 appearances for Sparta Prague last term and that has led to interest in the former Czech Republic Under-21 international this summer.

German newspaper Bild claim that a transfer from Man Utd to Bayer Leverkusen is now ‘imminent’ and will ‘probably’ be concluded on Friday at some point.

Kovar, who had also been linked with Aston Villa, will sign a contract at the Bundesliga club until June 2027 with the Germans forking out €5.5m for his services with potential bonuses on top depending on performances.

Man Utd will also potentially benefit from a sell-on clause but Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso said on Friday morning that a deal isn’t done yet.

The former Liverpool midfielder said: “We will see. It’s not official yet. Of course there is interest. That can happen quickly.”

Man Utd have already signed Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana this summer with a couple more transfers expected before the end of transfer window.

And former Red Devils striker Dimitar Berbatov is tipping Man Utd to challenge for the Premier League title alongside Chelsea this season.

Berbatov told Betfair: “Retired players are always biased towards the clubs they used to play for, so I hope Manchester United get back to where they belong at the top of the Premier League.

“I obviously want Manchester United to win the Premier League title. I think the Premier League champions will be Manchester United or Chelsea. If Manchester United don’t make the top four, then it’s a terrible season.”

But another former Man Utd striker Michael Owen is not so high on Erik ten Hag’s men –  who open their Premier League campaign against Wolves on Monday night – with the ex-England man claiming they will finish fourth.

Owen wrote on Twitter: “I’ve gone for Liverpool and Manchester United to finish third and fourth but both have questions to answer. United have followed the recent trend and bought a ball playing GK (Andre Onana). Looks a great buy.

“At the other end they’ve filled a vital position they’ve been crying out for. If [Rasmus] Hojlund is a success, they could be in business.”