Man United can hijack Gianluigi Donnarumma transfer amid Man City 'agreement' as PSR truth clear

Gianluigi Donnarumma and Manchester City have reportedly agreed on personal terms, but Manchester United are also said to have held talks with the player's agent

Gianluigi Donnarumma and the Manchester United are said to have held talks through the player's agent, Enzo Raiola(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United can still sign Gianluigi Donnarumma during this summer transfer window despite their net spend being close to £200million.

Donnarumma is due to leave Paris Saint-Germain, after being dropped by Luis Enrique for the UEFA Super Cup. The move comes after PSG signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille as their new number one.

Manchester City and Manchester United are two clubs credited with an interest in the Italy international, whose agent has not ruled out a move to the Premier League either. City have already re-signed James Trafford from Burnley, but speculation still surrounds the futures of Ederson and Stefan Ortega.

The club, however, would prefer to keep the Brazilian despite not denying interest in Donnarumma. In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the goalkeeper appeared to confirm his upcoming departure from the Parc des Princes.

"To the special Paris fans," he wrote. "From the first day I arrived, I gave everything – on and off the pitch – to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris Saint-Germain. Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success. I am disappointed and disheartened.

"I hope to have the opportunity to look the fans at the Parc des Princes in the eyes one more time and say goodbye as it should be done. If that doesn’t happen, I want you to know that your support and affection mean the world to me, and I will never forget it.

"I will always carry with me the memory of all the emotions, the magical nights, and of you, who made me feel at home. To my teammates – my second family – thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers.

"Playing for this club and living in this city has been an immense honour. Thank you, Paris."

L'Equipe claims City wanted Donnarumma last season and the report adds both Manchester clubs have been in talks with the player's agent, Enzo Raiola, for several months. The publication now reiterate reports in Italy that Donnarumma already has an agreement with the former after speaking to Pep Guardiola.

But nevertheless, United still have the financial ability to make a move should they decide to do so. PSG reputedly want less than the £48m they have committed to Chevalier for their former first-choice.

According to Reach PLC's chief business of football writer Dave Powell, United may well be able to afford such an outlay after only adding £40m to their balance sheet in terms of amortisation costs this summer, and still having around half of their revolving credit facility with multiple lenders that totals £300m able to be drawn down. The club are not unduly concerned about breaching Premier League profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) for the current period.

Their confidence will come from the expectation of sales before this window closes. Departures for Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund would help offset their existing outlay. Jadon Sancho moving on would also help save several million on wages, much like with Marcus Rashford.

The noise coming out of United may be that a move for Donnarumma remains unlikely, but the balance sheet says otherwise.

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