Man Utd closing in on former Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha

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Man Utd closing in on former Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha

Manchester United are close to signing former Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha on a free transfer, 90min understands.

The 27-year-old is a free agent after leaving Lazio at the end of his contract and he'd previously been on the radar of Premier League new boys Fulham.

But the Cottagers have ended up going in a different direction, having also considered hijacking West Ham's deal for Alphonse Areola, and are instead in talks to sign Arsenal's number two goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

United, meanwhile, have allowed their number two Dean Henderson to join Nottingham Forest on loan, paving the way for a new goalkeeper to arrive at Old Trafford as understudy to David de Gea.

The Red Devils had explored a deal for Sam Johnstone, who himself was available on a free transfer after leaving West Bromwich Albion, but he recently signed for Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace - where he'll stand a good chance of ousting Vicente Guaita as the club's number one.

Those movements have opened the door for United to pursue Strakosha and 90min understands that an agreement is all but in place to bring the Albanian to the Premier League.

United still have veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton on their books, but Strakosha will step into the role of backup goalkeeper should he come through a medical unscathed.