Exclusive: Man City and Newcastle eye Champions League hero who stunned Real Madrid
Today at 06:45 AM
Manchester City and Newcastle United are watching Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier closely with a Premier League move potentially on the cards for a man who helped stun Real Madrid.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
As Lille claimed one of the most famous wins in their history on Wednesday night – beating the reigning European Champions on their own Stade Pierre Mauroy turf – the reputation of their much-admired goalkeeper grew once again.
Lucas Chevalier, TBR can confirm, is one of the most hotly-tipped shot-stoppers on the continent right now.
A host of European A-listers are interested, with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City considering a bid that would test Lille’s resolve.
TBR understands that Pep Guardiola’s City side have been watching Chevalier for the last 12 months. The 22-year-old Frenchman is emerging as a potential long-term replacement for Ederson.
Ederson could have left Man City for Saudi Arabia over the summer, and faces an uncertain future beyond the current campaign at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City are also keeping tabs on the likes of Mile Svilar of Roma and Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson.
Manchester City and Newcastle United watch Lucas Chevalier
Paris Saint-Germain are keen on Chevalier as well, having watched the France Under 21 international up close in Ligue 1.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is the current PSG number one. But the Italy stopper has come in for plenty of criticism of late, and was arguably at fault as both Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka scored as Arsenal beat Luis Enrique’s PSG 2-0 on Tuesday.
Another club to watch out for in the tussle for Chevalier is Newcastle United.
The Magpies have also been scouring the market for goalkeepers of late. Their current number one – Nick Pope – will be 33 by the time the season comes to an end. Chevalier is a decade Pope’s junior, and far more comfortable in possession.
Chevalier, under contract until 2027, did his hopes of a big-money move no harm either as he denied Real Madrid with a string of fabulous saves, including one to keep out Antonio Rudiger in the dying stages.
Chevalier’s Lille teammate Jonathan David also a Newcastle target
“When you achieve such a performance at the highest level of European football, it further enhances the quality of the performance,” Lille coach Bruno Genesio told reporters at full-time, Jonathan David’s late first-half penalty the difference.
“[Chevalier] has already done it in the league, notably against Strasbourg, where he allowed us to take a point. Without him, the match would have been over before the end.
“Here, in the Champions League, the visibility is even greater. Above all, it shows that he is capable of managing his emotions in this type of match, which is very important for a goalkeeper.
“[And for one who hopes to play at] the very, very high level.”
TBR understands that Newcastle are keen on Lille’s Canada international striker Jonathan David too.
The Magpies have made an enquiry in recent times with his contract expiring next summer. Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton and West Ham have also asked to be kept informed of the situation.
David now has eight goals in 12 games this season. His Real Madrid winner following on from a hat-trick against Le Havre a few days earlier.
