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Manchester United 'lining up bid for Porto's Diogo Costa'

Manchester United 'lining up bid for Porto's Diogo Costa'
© Reuters
Manchester United prepare to make an offer for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make an offer for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

There is huge uncertainty when it comes to the goalkeeping department at Old Trafford, with David de Gea still not coming to an agreement with the Red Devils over a new contract.

De Gea's terms are due to expire at the end of the month, while number two Tom Heaton also only has a deal until June 30, and Jack Butland - number three in the second half of the 2022-23 campaign - has completed a permanent switch to Rangers.

There is soon expected to be an announcement regarding De Gea, with the Spaniard allegedly turning down a host of big-money offers from Saudi Arabia, as he is determined to remain at Old Trafford.

However, there is no guarantee that the Premier League Golden Glove winner from last season will be the club's first-choice stopper moving forward due to a string of errors during the 2022-23 campaign.

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa pictured in August 2022© Reuters

Porto's Costa has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months, and according to O Jogo, the 20-time English champions are planning to launch an offer.

The report claims that Porto are in need of a financial boost before the end of the month, which has made the Portuguese giants open to offers, potentially for under the £65m release clause that exists in his deal.

The 23-year-old was in strong form for his Portuguese club during the 2022-23 season, keeping 20 clean sheets in 41 appearances in all competitions, conceding just 30 times.

The Portugal international came through the youth system at his current club, making his debut in 2019, and he has represented them on 109 occasions in all competitions.

Portugal's Diogo Costa pictured on September 27, 2022© Reuters

Costa recently played down speculation that he could move to Old Trafford this summer, revealing that he wants to remain at Porto until at least the end of his contract in 2027.

The goalkeeper has kept seven clean sheets in his 15 Champions League appearances for his current side, while he has managed 32 clean sheets in 70 outings in the league.

Dean Henderson, as it stands, will return to Man United this summer, but the England international is allegedly in talks over a permanent move to Nottingham Forest.

Man United are expected to spend heavily during this summer's transfer window despite the uncertainty surrounding their ownership situation, with a new centre-back, central midfielder and centre-forward also said to be on the wishlist of head coach Erik ten Hag.

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Matt Law

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