Manchester United are in the market for a new goalkeeper amid raising concerns over David de Gea’s long-term future at Old Trafford.
Porto goalie Diogo Costa has emerged as one of Erik ten Hag’s top targets, alongside Inter Milan shot-stopper Andre Onana.
But while the Red Devils would have to shell out upwards of €70 million to sign the Nerazzurri star, the Portuguese side’s financial turmoil could be just what the doctor ordered.
According to A Bola, last season’s Primeira Liga runners-up have until June 30 to generate €50m from player sales or risk severe Financial Fair Play (FFP) punishment.
With Costa being one of Porto’s most prized assets, the club may have no other option but to sell him on a cut-price deal before submitting their 2022/23 financial records to comply with FFP.
That must be music to Man United’s ears, even though Onana remains Ten Hag’s dream signing, with the pair previously working together at Ajax.
Since swapping Amsterdam for Giuseppe Meazza, the Cameroonian’s stock has skyrocketed, earning him a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe’s top-five leagues.
Chelsea have also taken an interest in the 27-year-old, but Inter’s staggering demands threaten to blow both Premier League clubs out of the water.
With Onana increasingly out of reach, Costa’s name is back in fashion, with Man United presented with a perfect opportunity to benefit from Porto’s desperate need for cash.
Time is the Portuguese giants’ worst enemy, with only eight days left to balance their books, increasing the likelihood of the 23-year-old switching to the Theatre of Dreams.
Porto would ideally want to hold on to their rising star, who has become a regular starter for Portugal, leapfrogging Roma’s Rui Patricio in the pecking order.
But their chances of achieving that goal have significantly dwindled since they’re running out of time.
