MANCHESTER UNITED attempted a last-minute 'hijack' of Aston Villa's deal for Everton's Amadou Onana, according to reports.
But Onana is still expected to complete his switch to Villa Park and will undergo his medical this weekend.
Villa stole a march on Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Barcelona to acquire the 22-year-old's services.
But they had to fend off late interest from long-term admirers United to land Onana.
The Red Devils were willing to match Aston Villa's £50m offer with higher financial terms.
But Onana had given his word to Unai Emery and the deal is 'as good as complete', claims Belgian news outlet Het Nieuwsblad.
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The Belgian international is set to become the Aston Villa's record signing after agreeing a five-year-deal.
Everton will receive an initial £45m plus £5m in bonuses and 10 per cent of any future sale.
Meanwhile, United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Onana has spent two seasons at Goodison Park after signing from Lille in a £33million deal, with the French club entitled to 20 per cent of his sell-on value.
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He has become a key player for Everton, making 72 appearances — including 37 last season in all competitions.
Onana will now fly to Birmingham to complete his medical and finalise the deal on Sunday.
Onana’s move will be completed in time for Villa’s pre-season tour of the United States this month.
Villa have already made a busy start to the transfer window, recruiting Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkley, Samuel Iling Junior, Enzo Barrenechea and Lewis Dobbin.
Jaden Philogene is also set to complete his £13.5 million move back to Villa in the next 24 hours after the club triggered a “matching rights” option.
The 22-year-old was one of the stars of the Championship last season, scoring 12 goals in 32 games for Hull as the club fell just short of the play-off places.
Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn't talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna's representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag's Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd's thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.