Man Utd: Erik ten Hag has revived interest after failed transfer as ‘surprise deal eyed’

Erik ten Hag has grown a reputation for targeting players for his Manchester United project with whom he is familiar from earlier in his coaching career. Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir would also fit into that category as United eye a deal worth around £5million. Arsenal target ‘in talks over Prem move’ as Arteta can land ultimate utility man Lisandro Martinez, Antony and Andre Onana played under Ten Hag at Ajax, while Christian Eriksen came through the Dutch giants’ academy. Ten Hag also faced Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount in the Dutch Eredivisie and Casemiro in the Champions League. The prospect of Bayindir joining United this summer emerged from nowhere, with the 25-year-old undergoing medical tests in Greece on Tuesday ahead of a potential move. His arrival depends on the future of Dean Henderson, who is reportedly nearing a switch to Crystal Palace on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy. But it’s not the first time Ten Hag has tried signing Bayindir, who would provide cover for Onana alongside Tom Heaton. In 2020, Ten Hag eyed the Turkey international as Onana’s potential replacement when he was 22, as the then-Ajax stopper sought a new challenge elsewhere.