Manchester City to rival Manchester United for new goalkeeper amid Gianluigi Donnarumma problems | OneFootball

Manchester City have turned their attentions to a primary target of Manchester United this summer amid complications in their pursuit of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Pep Guardiola’s side continue to monitor the goalkeeping market closely, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Ederson heading into the final two weeks of the window amid intense interest from Turkish champions Galatasaray.

The Brazilian has been linked with a number of high-profile potential exits in recent seasons, raising the need for Manchester City to be prepared with alternatives should he leave, despite signing James Trafford from Burnley earlier this summer.

City have already been linked with a number of top-level shot-stoppers from across Europe throughout this summer, alongside Trafford, including the likes of Juventus’ Michele Di Gregorio, while reports have most recently centred around Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.

There have also been tenuous discussions around FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, although the Portugal international is no longer under consideration.

Now, according to the information of journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester City are said to be exploring the option of Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens as a new recruit in the goalkeeper position this summer.

It is explained that City officials are facing difficulties in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the French club demanding a fee that is currently deemed too high.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are still working on deal to sign Lammens and personal terms are almost agreed, amid an anticipation from the side of Old Trafford that more clubs from France and Italy could enter the pursuit.

For City, interest in Lammens may be driven by more than just cost efficiency. At 23, the Belgian stopper represents a profile consistent with the club’s long-term planning, following their investment in younger but experienced prospects throughout this year.

A player who has shown composure in European competition with Royal Antwerp could also provide a development pathway while serving as sufficient competition to James Trafford, should both Stefan Ortega and Ederson leave in the coming days.

The situation leaves Manchester City with an important decision: whether to push ahead and rival United seriously for Lammens, or continue to prioritise more established options such as Donnarumma despite the financial challenges involved.

Supporters can expect developments to accelerate before the window closes, particularly with Ederson’s future unresolved and Ortega himself considering his options as he weighs the desire for a number one role elsewhere.