Report: Vitinha's rise at PSG sparks Real Madrid interest
Paris Saint-Germain's midfield maestro Vitinha has caught the eye of football fans and clubs alike with his commanding performances for both club and country.
The Red Devils have already splashed out over 200 million pounds on three new forwards, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, with Sesko's arrival set to be confirmed soon. However, United need to balance the books through player sales before making further major moves, even as manager Ruben Amorim has pinpointed his next priorities.
While a deal for Brighton's Carlos Baleba appears challenging due to his 100 million pound valuation, United have received encouraging signs in their chase for Donnarumma, widely regarded as one of the world's elite shot-stoppers.
Transfer journalist Duncan Castles has revealed that PSG, fresh from their European triumph, are eager to offload the 26-year-old after contract talks stalled. "The interesting thing here is that during these discussions between Donnarumma and PSG through the summer, Donnarumma had told the club he had other options and, at a certain point, he said he did not want to stay at PSG," Castles said on the Transfers Podcast.
"Now that PSG have bought a new goalkeeper (Lucas Chevalier), he's telling Paris that he would prefer to stay at the club, and he will consider staying and leaving the club under freedom of contract in a year's time. That's the guidance I have.
"PSG are understandably unhappy about that. The information I have is that they have told Donnarumma they will not let him run down his deal and leave on a free transfer in the same style he did with Milan.
"They see what Donnarumma is doing as trying to reduce his transfer fee and trying to organise conditions under which he can leave, where most of the money spent on his transfer, i.e. the total package of the new club, goes towards his salary and signing-on fee rather than the transfer fee."
Reports indicate PSG are holding out for around 35 million euros, though journalist Ben Jacobs has heard they might settle for 30 million euros. United are preparing an initial bid close to that figure, potentially around 30 million euros, which could seal the deal.
Donnarumma's agent, Vincenzo Raiola, has previously hailed him as "the best goalkeeper in the world" and a player "deserving of the Ballon d'Or."
Sources have told transfer reporter Dean Jones that the keeper is keen on United due to the club's historic prestige, matching the high-stakes environments he thrived in at AC Milan and PSG.
Castles has added that no formal offer has come from United yet, but PSG are aware of their interest. "PSG are aware that Man Utd are interested in the player. My understanding is that Man Utd have not formally contacted PSG, and there is no transfer offer at present," he said. "They also expect Chelsea to get involved in that discussion and possibly Man City."
Recent updates on X echo this competition, with ESPNFC reporting that PSG anticipate bids from Chelsea, Manchester United, or Inter Milan, as Donnarumma has fallen down the pecking order in Paris. The Mirror has claimed Donnarumma favours a move to United, aligning with his desire for a fresh challenge.
Meanwhile, United are optimistic about Baleba's interest after initial contact, but funding hinges on outgoing deals. Rasmus Hojlund could be one departure, with verbal terms agreed with AC Milan, though hurdles remain for the Dane, who does not fit Amorim's vision.
Alejandro Garnacho might also exit, as Chelsea have ramped up their pursuit of the Argentine winger, with sources suggesting a deal could wrap up soon.
As the transfer window heats up, United's goalkeeping upgrade could prove pivotal, with Donnarumma's arrival potentially transforming their defensive solidity.