Man Utd ‘ready to pay £65m release clause for transfer target’ with Portuguese star ‘ready to move to Premier League’
MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to pay Portuguese keeper Diogo Costa‘s £65million release clause this summer, according to reports.
United are in the market for a new goalkeeper with Dean Henderson set to leave and doubts persisting over David De Gea‘s form.
Boss Erik ten Hag warned long-term stopper De Gea this week that he won’t be guaranteed the No1 spot next season, even if he signs a new contract.
Ten Hag told The Times: “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.
“If you observe the biggest teams, you have to be capable of playing from the back, and use your keeper as a plus one in your back, otherwise it’s very simple for opponents to put you under pressure.
“He [De Gea] had to step up. In a number of games, he showed progression.”
Portuguese publication A Bola reckon Costa is the man earmarked to provide competition for the Spaniard.
And they say the Red Devils won’t hold back as they considering matching his 65m release clause.
Costa, 23, appeared to wave goodbye to Porto fans after the club missed out on the Portuguese title to rivals Benfica at the weekend.
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He has 12 caps for Portugal and even went a crazy 16 games without conceding for his club this season.
Costa is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes who has significant influence in England.
United’s interest comes as there are significant doubts over the future of De Gea.
His deal is to set expire at the end of next month after 12 years at the club.
Despite winning the Premier League’s Golden Glove award with 17 clean sheets, he still made a number of high profile errors.
And United have asked him to take a huge 50 per cent pay cut to his £375k-a-week deal if he is to stay.