Man Utd transfer target 'failed two medicals' as dream move fell through

Toby Savin missed out on a dream move to Manchester United after failing not one, but two medicals at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for Shrewsbury Town, was targeted by the Red Devils as a third-choice option behind Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.

Savin was identified as United’s preferred choice, according to The Sun, with Tom Heaton heading for a coaching role and Nathan Bishop having left to join Sunderland. He was close to completing a move to Old Trafford on two occasions but it never happened, with Savin failing both medicals.

The Southport native was initially targeted in January, when he was playing for Accrington Stanley, but was unable to pass a medical. The move was resurrected following his exit at the end of the season but he failed another medical last month.

Savin picked up a shoulder injury which limited him to just nine appearances throughout the previous campaign. He has since joined Shrewsbury on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract with the League One club ahead of the new season.

Following his arrival, Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst said: “Toby attracted interest from clubs higher up the leagues. He is a player with plenty of potential and has all the attributes to be a really good goalkeeper. Our job is to make sure he fulfils that and becomes the best version of himself.”

It seems United will need to look elsewhere in their pursuit of a third-choice stopper, with Savin no longer on the market. The Red Devils have been busy strengthening other areas of their squad, having already welcomed Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro to Old Trafford.

They are thought to be closing in on a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who has reportedly agreed personal terms. Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, who played under Erik ten Hag during his time at Ajax, is said to be another priority target.

United have also been linked with a permanent move for Sofyan Amrabat despite choosing not to activate their option to buy him at the end of last season. The former Red Devils loanee has since returned to Fiorentina but it is said that he could still join United before the summer window closes.

Jarrad Branthwaite, meanwhile, is no longer thought to be on United’s shortlist after they saw two bids rejected by Everton. It is said that he is expected to remain at Goodison Park after the Toffees agreed to sell Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for around £50million.