Manchester United set to sign £45m Champions League star following regular monitoring
Manchester United are interested in signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa and have been regularly monitoring him, Portuguese outlet O Jogo claim.
Costa is regarded as one of the best young shot-stoppers in world football. He is currently the fourth most valued goalkeeper at €45 million, according to Transfermarkt.
Today’s edition of O Jogo specifically mention his increasing value and they go on to confirm that the 23-year-old is on the radar of several elite clubs across Europe.
United are deemed as the main contenders to sign Costa and it is added that their scouts have been a ‘regular presence’ at the Estadio do Dragao this campaign.
When United’s season started, there were huge question marks over David de Gea’s future. He made a couple of goalkeeping mistakes in the first two games.
However, the Spaniard has since redeemed himself. Barring the one mishap against Everton in the FA Cup third round, De Gea has been effective between the sticks.
The 32-year-old has made several world-class saves over the past few months, but there has also been an improvement with his distribution and mobility in the box.
De Gea has had a few nervous moments with his short passing but they have not proved costly so far.
However, United don’t need a new goalkeeper at the moment. Talks are underway with De Gea over a new deal with a pay-cut and it appears a no-brainer to keep him.
Costa is obviously a talented goalkeeper who has the potential to become world-class. However, it is not a position which United desperately need to strengthen this summer.
Instead of signing a new number one, the priority should be on the purchase of a marquee striker and a central midfielder. Victor Osimhen and Frenkie de Jong have been linked.
In other news, Manchester United join the race to sign 22-year-old Premier League star