Why Man Utd refused to challenge Manchester City for £26m Gianluigi Donnarumma transfer

Manchester United's reason for not signing Gianluigi Donnarumma has emerged following his move to the other side of town. Donnarumma, 26, joined Manchester City on transfer deadline day, costing just £26million from Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG made the Italian goalkeeper surplus to requirements after he entered the final 12 months of his contract. There'd been attempts to extend his stay in the French capital but after negotiations turned sour, Luis Enrique shelled out £34m on a replacement - Lucas Chevalier from Lille - signalling the end of Donnarumma's time between the posts at the Parc des Princes.

Reports that United were interested in Donnarumma surfaced after the Club World Cup, where PSG lost the final 3-0 to Chelsea. But it soon became apparent that the Red Devils wouldn't be making an offer for the 26-year-old.

United ultimately opted to sign Royal Antwerp's Senne Lammens for an initial £18.2m. The Red Devils also held talks with Aston Villa shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez.

That gave City a free run at Donnrumma, who they signed for what pundits have hailed as a bargain £26m fee. But it wasn't what PSG demanded for the Italy international which put United off.

READ MORE: Matheus Cunha releases Man Utd injury update as Ruben Amorim sweats on summer signing

READ MORE: Alejandro Garnacho offers nod to Man Utd with choice of Chelsea shirt number

According to Sky Sports, both Donnarumma and Martinez wanted huge salaries which Old Trafford chiefs weren't keen to pay. United felt that it left little value for any future sale, as the club know full well how difficult shifting players on big wages can be.

Despite costing just £8m less, Lammens' modest salary represents a much cheaper package and someone who can be sold for a greater percentage of profit. The two goalkeepers could make their debuts against one another after the international break, as City welcome United to the Etihad.

Should Manchester United have bid for Gianluigi Donnarumma? Have your say in the comments section.

"To have signed for Manchester City is such a special and proud moment for me," Donnarumma said. "I am joining a squad packed with world-class talent and a team led by one of the greatest managers in the history of football in Pep Guardiola.

"This is a club every player in world football would love to join. I have admired watching Manchester City for many years - so to now be able to play for the club is a huge honour and a privilege.

"I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates, the staff and the fans. Playing at the Etihad Stadium will be very, very special for me. I am very excited for what lies ahead and can promise that I will give absolutely everything to try and help the club achieve even more success."

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.