According to Correio da Manha, Manchester United is in the final stages of preparing a proposal to sign Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa. Erik Ten Hag has been closely monitoring the 23-year-old for a long time.
Porto is facing the need to generate sales and has acknowledged that they may be compelled to sell Costa.
As Man United aims to conclude the deal, negotiations between the two clubs are expected to take place soon. The estimated cost for signing the Portuguese keeper is €45 million.
Costa is considered Porto’s most valuable asset, meaning the Red Devils will need to present an enticing offer to have a realistic chance of securing his services.
Additionally, it is possible that the goalkeeper may require assurances of a starting position before agreeing to a transfer.
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David de Gea, despite keeping the most clean sheets in the Premier League this season, has been prone to errors. He could have performed better in preventing Manchester City’s winning goal in the FA Cup final.
De Gea’s struggles with playing out from the back also impact the playing style preferred by Ten Hag. Recently, the manager declined to guarantee De Gea’s position as the first-choice goalkeeper.
The Dutch boss is eager to bring in someone who can challenge De Gea for the starting spot, and Diogo Costa appears to fit the bill.
The Porto keeper has achieved 19 clean sheets in 41 appearances across all competitions and possesses the qualities required to be a starter for United.
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However, De Gea is willing to take a pay cut and extend his contract with United despite receiving a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League.
But, the approval of the board and Ten Hag are still pending, and the potential signing of another goalkeeper could alter the situation.
