Manchester United have reportedly been closely watching Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos during the opening months of the 2022-23 campaign.

The Red Devils are allegedly in the market for a new long-term number one, with David de Gea's contract at Old Trafford due to expire next June.

Man United do have the option to extend De Gea's deal for a further 12 months, while there has also been talk of a potential new long-term contract for the Spain international, who recently expressed a desire to remain at the club "for more years".

"I'm just very focused on the games helping the team as much as I can. Of course, I would like to be here for more years, so let's see what happens in the future. I'm really, really happy here," he told BT Sport following his side's win over Everton last weekend.

However, De Gea's suitability for Erik ten Hag's style of football has been questioned, and the club could reportedly look to bring in a new stopper during next summer's transfer window.

According to Sportime, the 20-time English champions have been intensively scouting Vlachodimos this season, with the Greece international viewed as a genuine target.

The report claims that Man United have stepped up their interest since first being linked over the summer, and there is a feeling that an offer in the region of £17.5m would be considered by Benfica.

The 28-year-old has been in strong form for his Portuguese club at the start of this season, keeping nine clean sheets in 17 appearances in all competitions.

Vlachodimos has featured on nine occasions in the league, keeping six clean sheets, while he has conceded just three times in his four appearances in the group stage of the Champions League.

Since arriving from Panathinaikos in July 2018, the Greek has represented Benfica on 186 occasions in all competitions, but his contract is due to expire in June 2024.

Dean Henderson is set to return to Man United next summer upon the completion of his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

However, the England international could then be allowed to depart on a permanent basis, with Ten Hag not believed to view him as a future number one for the Red Devils.

Man United boosted their goalkeeping department late in the summer window with the acquisition of Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle United, but he is yet to make an appearance for the club and is unlikely to be signed on a permanent basis.

There have been claims that Vlachodimos could be brought in as initial competition for De Gea with a view to replacing the Spaniard as the club's long-term number one in the near future. body check tags ::