Manchester United could move forward with a bid for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa very soon, according to Portuguese publication O Jogo (page 4).
The Red Devils currently have David de Gea as the number one, and talks are at an advanced stage with the Spaniard over a new long-term contract.
Despite this, the club continue to be linked with Costa. O Jogo claim that Porto are looking for capital gains before the financial year closes on June 30.
Costa is one of the high-profile stars that could leave the club with United interested. The Red Devils ‘could move forward with a bid’ for him ‘very soon’.
Meanwhile, Porto raised the 23-year-old’s release clause from €60 million to €75 million with a new deal this season. They are reluctant to sell him for less than that figure.
Man Utd’s move for Costa may depend on player sales
De Gea kept an impressive 17 clean sheets in the Premier League last term and won the Golden Glove award. Despite this, he has been the subject of criticism from some fans and pundits.
The Spaniard has been unconvincing in passing out from the back under manager Erik ten Hag. He has put his teammates under pressure at times by handing possession straight to the opposition.
The 32-year-old has also been error-prone when it comes to keeping out long-range efforts. Last season, he made four howlers leading to goals while conceding 10 from shots outside the box.
United definitely need an upgrade on De Gea ahead of next season. Costa would be a perfect signing. He is good with the ball at his feet, and also likes to make high claims unlike De Gea.
He is also a brilliant shot-stopper. The Portugal international possesses superb reflexes between the sticks. He saved three successive penalties in the Champions League group stage last term.
In our view, United are unlikely to pursue a deal for Costa this month. The club will first focus on recouping funds from player sales in order to boost their summer transfer budget.
A marquee striker, a creative midfielder and a world-class centre-back could be the top priorities. If United have surplus funds after those signings, they could invest on Costa’s services.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
