Galatasaray have attempted to hijack Manchester United’s pursuit of Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, according to reports. The Turkish giants are pushing to convince Lammens to snub an Old Trafford switch ahead of next week’s summer transfer deadline.
United accelerated their interest in the 23-year-old last week, following Altay Bayindir’s unconvincing performance against Arsenal. Bayindir retained his starting status in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham but looked a serious liability on corners again while Andre Onana watched from the bench.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United have agreed on personal terms with Lammens and are in advanced talks with Antwerp over a transfer fee.
However, reports in Belgium claim that Galatasaray are not prepared to let the stopper leave the market easily.
Tuesday’s edition of Gazet van Antwerpen states that Galatasaray have made a desperate effort to hijack the deal by offering Lammens an increased financial package.
The Istanbul outfit are said to have visited him for talks in Austria during pre-season, but the interest wasn’t mutual.
And it’s claimed that Lammens continues to favour United due to his desire to compete in a more attractive league than the Turkish Super Lig.
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United are, therefore, expected to seal a deal worth at least £17million before the summer transfer window closes at 7pm on Monday, September 1.
Galatasaray are also interested in Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, who has lost his starting spot to summer arrival James Trafford.
Pep Guardiola also wants to recruit Paris Saint-Germain exile Gianluigi Donnarumma, but any swoop would depend on whether Ederson departs.
Lammens’ arrival in Manchester would make Ruben Amorim’s goalkeeper department crowd, with Onana, Bayindir and Tom Heaton already at his disposal.
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It remains to be seen whether the Belgium Under-21 international is viewed as an immediate first-choice goalkeeper or will be eased in behind Bayindir or Onana.
Should United strike a deal with Antwerp in good time, they will be eyeing up an Old Trafford unveiling ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Burnley.
That treatment has become common practice for new arrivals, and Lammens looks likely to be the latest, despite Galatasaray’s best efforts.
Lammens is expected to be the final recruit of the summer, despite Amorim’s desperate need for midfield reinforcements.
