According to The Express, Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa remains a target for Manchester United despite his lacklustre performances for Portugal at the World Cup.
The 23-year-old was his nation’s first-choice keeper during their World Cup campaign, but his performances fell short of expectations.
Although Portugal’s quarterfinal exit was sealed by his error against Morocco, he is still highly regarded by some of the best teams in Europe. While Chelsea and Barcelona are also interested in Costa, United is adamant about signing him. His €75 million (£64 million) release clause could have to be triggered in order for a club to sign him.
This season, David de Gea has been United’s unchallenged starting goalkeeper. He had a rough start to the season with sloppy performances, but he has now turned things around with fantastic saves.
Even still, there are concerns about his future. His current contract, worth £375,000 per week, ends in the summer of 2023, although United doesn’t seem eager to exercise the 12-month extension clause just yet. The ultimate choice may depend on what Erik ten Hag wants from his goalkeeper moving ahead, albeit the Spaniard is willing to accept a 50% wage cut to sign a new contract.
Although De Gea has excellent reflexes, he is not the best when playing out from the back or delivering precise long balls from the back. Yann Sommer, who might be available for free next summer, has consequently been linked with United. The Swiss would be a reasonable choice because he makes £36,000 per week.
Costa, though, will be costly. The 23-year-old might expect a substantial income in addition to the high transfer fee because he is only approaching the peak of his playing career.
United must make a crucial choice for the upcoming summer. De Gea can be kept, Sommer can be purchased through a bosman move, or a substantial investment can be made to get Costa from Porto.
