Manchester United and Manchester City are set to go head to head for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa this summer. Both Manchester clubs could potentially do with a new stopper ahead of next season.
Andre Onana has struggled at Old Trafford this term after making a series of high-profile errors. Ederson has also struggled to produce the kind of performances expected of him this term, while he has been replaced by Stefan Ortega on occasion.
The Brazilian could even leave the Etihad this summer amid links with Saudi sides. Should that happen, City are expected to launch a sensational bid for Porto keeper Costa.
Mirror Football understands that club chiefs are ready to step up their interest, with the Portuguese seen as an ideal replacement for Ederson. He has a £63m release clause written into his contract, albeit City are hoping to negotiate down to about £50m.
They could face competition from near neighbours United as they consider replacing Onana but the Red Devils’ finances mean that a big-money move for Costa is highly unlikely. He does however have huge backing in the Old Trafford dressing room – specifically from compatriots Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
“I grew up with him and he’s my friend, there’s a great relationship between us,” Dalot told Maisfutebol. “I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be one of the best in the world.
‘I don’t know if he’ll be at Manchester United or another big club in Europe, but he shows at Porto that he is a big player and has helped the club a lot. If he continues there, I’ll be happy. If he leaves, I hope he has the greatest success at his next club.”
Dalot also praised his “unreal” performances back in 2022 as he saved two penalties in a Champions League clash with Club Brugge. Elsewhere, Fernandes has also openly praised Costa, labelling him as “enorme”, meaning “giant”.
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Costa, 25, has played for Porto throughout his entire career. He has made 195 appearances for the club, while also managing to amass 34 caps for the Portuguese national team.
His contract runs until the summer of 2027. Speaking earlier this season, he suggested that he would be satisfied to stay with Porto for the rest of his career. As quoted by BBC Sport, he said: “What I always say is true – if I never leave Porto, the club I love and learned to play football in, then I will be a happy guy, but we all know what is the life of a footballer.”
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