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Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly sitting in the midst of a three-horse race to sign Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The 25-year-old goalkeeper has retained his position as second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois at the Santiago Bernabeu, and as per reports, clubs are interested in his services.
Last season, Courtois endured a long-term injury that kept him out for most of the campaign. While Madrid opted to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea, it was Lunin who took the Bernabeu by storm with his remarkable performances. He played 31 games across all competitions, leading them to the UEFA Champions League final and helping them win La Liga and Supercopa de Espana.
With Courtois returning from injury, Lunin was relegated to the bench once more. He even missed out on the Champions League final, which Los Blancos won, due to illness.
However, the Ukrainian shot-stopper had proven that he is capable of performing at the highest level. This led to numerous rumors linking him to a move to other European juggernauts, but Real Madrid convinced Lunin to stay, extending his contract to 2030.
However, this has done little to stall the interest of other clubs like Manchester City and Manchester United. Both Mancunian giants are in a three-horse race with Paris Saint-Germain, with all three clubs chasing after Lunin, according to Fichajes.net (via The Real Champs).
Despite his contract extension, an exit could potentially be on the cards if one of these clubs offer him improved starting lineup assurances. Manchester City, for example, could potentially see Ederson Moraes leave the club, opening up space for Lunin to take over the role. For Manchester United, it seems like an unlikely move, especially with Andre Onana in the first-team role for the long term.
Manchester United prepared to fight for Manchester City target, who has been linked to Real Madrid
All three giant clubs are often connected to the same top players in Europe, which is hardly any surprise. United and City might want Lunin in goal, but they have also set their sights on Jeremie Frimpong, who has long been linked to Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants have earmarked the Bayer Leverkusen full-back as a long-term replacement for legend Dani Carvajal, according to Fichajes.net (via Football Espana). However, they will need to be wary about interest from northwestern England.
Another Fichajes.net report (via TeamTalk) has claimed that Manchester United and Manchester City have placed Frimpong on their respective radars. They are both looking to sign him in 2025, with Liverpool also in the middle of the battle for the full-back's services.
