Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir will reportedly undergo the second part of his medical in England before officially joining Premier League giants Manchester United.
It may feel like a deal which has come out of the blue, but Turkish publication HaberTurk insist that Altay Bayindir is not a player Manchester United are signing on a whim.
Talks between Fenerbahce and the Red Devils, they say, began as far back as two months ago. Negotiations took a big step forward this week, however, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reporting that Bayindir has already undergone a section of his medical over in Greece.
Manchester United close in on Altay Bayindir
The Turkey international should soon touch down in England before completing the remainder of those fitness tests. And, unless a recent back injury is proven to be more serious than first expected, Bayindir will then meet the Manchester United bosses before putting pen to paper on a deal which could set Erik ten Hag’s side back around £6 million.
Fenerbahce quickly turned to Dominik Livakovic when it became apparent that Bayindir could be on his way to Old Trafford. The Croatian glovesman was unveiled by Fenerbahce earlier on Thursday, meaning the Super Lig powerhouses already have a replacement in the building.
“To inform; Our club has reached an agreement in principle with Dinamo Zagreb for the transfer of professional football player Dominik Livakovic,” reads a statement posted on Fenerbahce’s official Twitter page.
“The player will come to Istanbul today (Thursday) to pass the medical checks and to negotiate the transfer.
“We present it to the public.”
Ten Hag wants another goalkeeper
Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal, however, insists that Bayindir to Manchester United is far from a ‘done deal’ just yet.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, United have also agreed terms with Benfica’s Odysseas Vlachodimos, and it seems unlikely that both will arrive given how highly Ten Hag appears to rate the veteran Tom Heaton.