According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United is showing significant interest in signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa during the upcoming transfer window.
The Portuguese star is considered one of the top shot-stoppers in Europe and it has been claimed that he could secure a move to an elite club this summer.
Porto, looking to balance their books by June 30, may be open to parting ways with Costa, who has already showcased his abilities on a grand stage.
The report states that United is the most interested party in acquiring the goalkeeper’s services. However, they are not the only club interested, as Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur have also shown interest.
Costa’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is reportedly working on facilitating the transfer. It is worth noting that Costa currently has a release clause of £65 million in his contract, which was signed last year.
Currently, David de Gea is United’s first-choice goalkeeper, having held that position for the past 12 years. Manager Erik ten Hag has recently praised de Gea and indicated that the club is considering offering him a new contract.
Despite the Spaniard’s occasional errors, the public support from the manager indicates that his position as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper is secure. Considering this, a potential move for Diogo Costa could come as a surprise.
The club is primarily focused on finding a new central striker who can convert the chances created, even if it means breaking their club transfer record. Additionally, United is reportedly in the market for a midfielder and a central defender during the summer transfer window.
However, the Glazer family’s ownership of the club might impose budget limitations despite their Champions League qualification.
Pursuing Costa’s signature would be unexpected, as it is unlikely that United would spend a significant sum of money to have him serve as a backup to De Gea on the bench.
Furthermore, De Gea himself may not be inclined to renew his contract if it means playing second fiddle to a new goalkeeper signing.
Therefore, it is possible that the goalkeeping department remains unchanged for the next season. De Gea and Tom Heaton could continue as the first and second-choice goalkeepers for at least another 12 months.
