Man United, Man City handed major transfer boost as PSG reach 'broad agreement' for Gianluigi Donnarumma replacement

Manchester City and Manchester United have reportedly been handed major boosts in their pursuits of Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, as Les Parisiens are close to signing Lille's Lucas Chevalier as a replacement.

Donnarumma's future has been the subject of increasing uncertainty for a number of months now, and the Italy international is now in the last year of his agreement with the European champions.

Talks with Donnarumma's camp over an extension are yet to bear fruit for PSG, who must now weigh up whether to sell him this summer or risk him going for nothing at the end of next season.

The 26-year-old's situation has supposedly put Man United and Man City on red alert, and the Red Devils are rumoured to be preparing a blockbuster offer for the ex-AC Milan starlet.

United's noisy neighbours are also in the picture, even though they are closing in on a deal to re-sign James Trafford from Burnley, and an intense head-to-head between both rivals could now materialise thanks to the latest developments.

PSG 'increasingly likely' to sign goalkeeper amid Donnarumma uncertainty

According to French outlet L'Equipe, PSG are now making progress in their efforts to sign Lille number one Lucas Chevalier, who was also heavily linked with Manchester United at one stage.

The 23-year-old has apparently caught the eye of Newcastle United as well, but the report claims that he is 'increasingly close' to moving to the French capital, and 'concrete negotiations' are now taking place.

A 'broad agreement' has apparently been reached between Chevalier and PSG over a five-year contract, and the two parties are expected to conclude the final details at the weekend before Les Parisiens begin club-to-club talks with Lille.

Lille are reportedly demanding €40m (£35m) to let Chevalier leave, but PSG are happy to stump up that amount for the Frenchman, whom Lille are already scoping out replacements for.

Why are Man United, Man City pursuing Donnarumma?

Chevalier's imminent move to PSG may take one name off of Man United's goalkeeper shortlist, but the Red Devils would surely sacrifice having the Frenchman if the doors open for them to bring Donnarumma to Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim has publicly backed the error-strewn Andre Onana, but he is believed to be searching for a successor to the Cameroon international, who has endured a troubled two years in Manchester.

Meanwhile, Man City may be about to bring Trafford back to the Etihad Stadium, but the futures of both Ederson and Stefan Ortega - who are now in their 30s - are clouded in uncertainty.

It is not impossible to envisage the Brazilian and German leaving this summer, so Donnarumma could come in as Pep Guardiola's new number one while Trafford provides cover and competition.

Donnarumma has amassed 56 clean sheets from 161 matches for PSG in all competitions, including six shut-outs en route to the 2024-25 Champions League title.