Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 6, 2022. Portugal's Diogo Costa celebrates.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United have been sending scouts to watch transfer target Diogo Costa.
The Lowdown: Goalkeeper is an area Man United could improve
Given how David de Gea’s kicking ability has been criticised over the last few seasons, it would make sense for the Red Devils to try to recruit a new shot-stopper this summer, especially with the Spaniard’s contractual situation.
The Spaniard is only under contract until this summer, so if no new extension can be agreed upon, it may be wise for De Gea’s replacement to be recruited this year.
Man United appear to be very active in the goalkeeper market at the moment, with David Raya and Portugal No 1 Costa being scouted ahead of potential big-money moves in the summer.
The Latest: Costa could be De Gea’s replacement
Costa has impressed this season between the sticks for Porto, keeping 11 league clean sheets, which should please Man United scouts, who have been to watch him play, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking about the shot-stopper on The United Stand YouTube channel, he said: “So for Costa, we have rumours, because it’s true that Manchester United have sent their scouts to follow the player many times. It was also before the World Cup, so it was like September, October, November.
“They know the player very well, they are tracking him, as [are] many other clubs – not just Manchester United. He has a release clause for more than €70m into his new contract with Porto, so it’s not an easy deal at all, but for sure, Man United are following the player.”
The Verdict: Not an easy deal for Man United to land
The fact that Romano has revealed Costa’s release clause is over £60m shows how highly rated he is by Porto, while given it seems the Red Devils are also keen on improving other areas of the squad such as the striker position, paying so much for a shot-stooper may not the wisest of moves.
Especially when De Gea – who is the club’s highest earner – still has a deal to run for next season, having him on the bench to a £61m goalkeeper perhaps wouldn’t make financial sense for the Red Devils, no matter who the owners are.
Costa would arrive as largely inexperienced with just 100 first-team appearances under his belt, although he is his country’s No 1 shot-stopper – something De Gea hasn’t been for a long time – although any deal must make financial sense.
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