Man Utd ‘on the verge’ of first summer transfer as they lead Chelsea and Newcastle in race for £64m star
MANCHESTER UNITED are leading the race to sign Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to reports.
The Red Devils are keen to strengthen once again following Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge.
David de Gea’s future remains in doubt, with the Spaniard’s contract set to expire later this month.
Amid the uncertainty, reports in Portugal claim that United are keen on recruiting Porto’s 23-year-old goalkeeper.
Portuguese outlet A Bola claim that a deal to take Costa to Old Trafford is “well underway”.
They add that he appears certain to leave Porto this season, and that he is on “on the verge” of a Premier League switch.
Porto are not expected to sell Costa for anything less than his £64million release clause.
He is contracted to Porto until June 2027, having penned a new deal last November.
Costa is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency.
He has earned 11 Portugal caps to date, and has appeared 109 times for Porto.
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A move to United would see him link up with international team-mates Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, with the latter having recently signed a new deal at Old Trafford.
In addition to the Red Devils, Chelsea and Newcastle have also been credited with interest in Costa.
Boss Ten Hag is confident that United will agree a new deal with De Gea.
But he has refused to confirm that the Spaniard will remain his No1.
He told The Times: “Yes, but I will not say he’ll always be my No1 because in a club like Man United there must be competition in all positions.
“You can’t do it with 11 players. It is impossible. You need double positions.”
United are expected to accelerate their move for Costa after the Portuguese Cup final, with Porto taking on Braga in the showpiece occasion later today.
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