Manchester United have reportedly identified Diogo Costa as the ideal long-term replacement for Andre Onana but face stiff competition from rivals Manchester City for the Porto star.
According to Correio da Manhã, United scouts were recently spotted at Estádio do Dragão, where they monitored the 24-year-old shot-stopper during Porto’s clash with Famalicão. Costa’s consistent performances have caught the attention of top European clubs, and the Red Devils are eager to secure his signature.
However, City have also entered the race. With Ederson plagued by injuries this season, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to bolster their goalkeeping options. Reports suggest the Premier League champions are preparing a €58 million (£50m/$67m) bid for Costa.
Porto president André Villas-Boas is open to negotiating a transfer but is holding out for a fee closer to Costa’s full €75 million (£58m/$86m) release clause. He reportedly won’t entertain offers until after this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, where Porto will face Palmeiras (June 15), Inter Miami (June 19), and Al-Ahly (June 24).
The Portuguese giants hope the global exposure could raise Costa’s value even further, setting the stage for a high-stakes transfer tug-of-war between the two Manchester clubs.
