When the Cameroonian was playing for Inter Milan, Chelsea turned down the chance to acquire Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Read Also : Transfer: Andre Onana close to joining EPL club for £43m

Onana completed a £44 million move to Manchester United last week, replacing goalkeeper David de Gea.

The 27-year-old was Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s first choice to replace De Gea, who left Old Trafford at the end of his contract earlier this month.

Inter Milan had made it clear from the start of their negotiations with Manchester United that they were open to selling Onana, which smoothed the process.

The Serie A club’s stance was informed by their need to sell before buying, and they have been in a well-publicized tangle with Chelsea over a bid to sign striker Romelu Lukaku.

However, despite being open to selling Onana, Inter Milan were unimpressed with the Red Devils’ opening bid of around £32 million and immediately rejected the offer.

While Inter Milan knew they would eventually sell Onana, they attempted to drive up the price by inviting Chelsea to bid for the former Ajax star, according to the Athletic.

But Chelsea declined the chance to challenge Manchester United for Onana as Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has other priorities this summer and the Blues are confined by Financial Fair Play rules.

Pochettino is also keen to play with a ‘modern’ keeper, and he sanctioned Edouard Mendy’s departure to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer, keeping Kepa Arrizabalaga as his first choice.