Latest reports from Portugal are suggesting that Manchester United hoped to sign Diogo Costa for just £30 million this summer despite his far higher release clause.
If David de Gea is football’s Liam Neeson – increasingly one-note as he enters the autumn of his career – than Diogo Costa is perhaps the goalkeeping Gary Oldman. If it’s versatility you want, look no further.
Porto’s number one last season become the first ever goalkeeper in the Champions League to save a penalty and set up a goal in the same game; a statistic which highlights both his spot-kick prowess and his superb distribution. Costa’s main strengths, funnily enough, can also probably be described as De Gea’s biggest weaknesses.
And with Erik ten Hag increasingly outspoken about his desire for a ‘number one’ who could conceivably be called the first line of attack as well as the last line of his defence, reports linking Manchester United with a move for Costa have increased in volume and in believability.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Man United’s interest. Porto are reportedly eyeing replacements.
CM Jornal, meanwhile, claimed a fortnight ago that the Red Devils were getting closer and closer to securing the services of a goalkeeper boasting a passing range that would make Paul Scholes blush.
Porto legend Vitor Baia even described the 23-year-old as the ‘best in the world’ last season.
Manchester United still targeting Diogo Costa
Costa has a £65 million release clause in his contract. Porto’s well-publicised financial concerns means offers below that mark may be considered. Though any opening offers in the region of £30 million will almost certainly be returned to sender.
According to Record, Manchester United had set a limit of £30 million for Costa. If any deal is to be reached between the two clubs, however, it is likely to land somewhere in between. Albeit probably closer to £65 million than £30 million.
The Manchester Evening News, meanwhile, back up suspicions that United have gone from targeting a ‘competitor’ for De Gea to targeting an all-out ‘replacement’. The long-serving Spaniard will become a free-agent in less than two weeks’ time. And, as things stand, his new deal remains unsigned.
Inter Milan’s Andre Onana – who Ten Hag called ‘masterful’ during their time together at Ajax – is a potential alternative to Costa. Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton, however, are more advanced in pursuit of David Raya and Bart Verbruggen respectively.
“Diogo Costa is becoming a world-class goalkeeper,” says former Porto ace Iker Casillas. “He’s a star. He’s going to be a great goalkeeper.”
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