Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has 'turned down' offer from Manchester United

Zion Suzuki has turned down a move to Manchester United, according to reports in Japan, after the Premier League club expressed a serious interest in the highly-rated goalkeeper.

It was suggested earlier this month that United were close to completing a move for the Urawa Reds shot-stopper.

The 20-year-old, who has been described as "a leader among the next generation of Japanese goalkeepers", was slapped with a reported £5 million price tag by the J1 League club.

In fact, Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex claimed negotiations between United and Urawa Reds had been "progressing smoothly" with an agreement said to be "imminent".

But the same publication are now reporting that a deal will no longer happen this summer, despite the player being positively "shaken" by United's approach.

It is believed with the Paris Olympics coming up next summer, the Japan U21 international has "ultimately prioritised" game time at the Tokyo-based club over a move to Old Trafford.

United currently have four senior goalkeepers on their books following the arrival of Andre Onana but many were excited by the prospect after a compilation of his best bits emerged online.

It must be noted, however, that Suzuki would have most likely served as Onana's understudy this season, which would have limited him to regular first-team minutes.

The Metro suggest Suzuki was one of three goalkeepers United were considering for the back-up role, with Dinamo Zagreb’s Dominik Livakovic and Feyenoord number one Justin Bijlow also named.

Image credit: Getty

In fact, Bijlow recently confirmed that United made contact over a potential move, although they have yet to submit an official offer.

Speaking in an interview with FR12, he said: "I don’t want to talk about it too much, it’s just quiet now.

"There was just contact. Manchester United have not made an offer to Feyenoord, but what I say: I don’t want to talk about it out of respect for Feyenoord.

"I want to achieve the highest achievable in my career. When that is, we will see for ourselves. Another year at Feyenoord, that’s never bad."

Thoughts on Suzuki's decision to reportedly snub a move to Manchester United in favour of first-team minutes at Urawa Reds?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Japan, Transfers

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_