New deal for Man Utd target won’t stop Ten Hag from getting his man as insider reveals how outcast will be replaced
Fabrizio Romano says Manchester United are still on the trail of a Portugal international, despite him signing a new contract with his current club recently.
Manchester United are back in action on Thursday night when they come up against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup third round. The Red Devils will be looking for revenge after being beaten 3-1 by Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
Unai Emery picked up an impressive win during his first match as Villa boss. Leon Bailey put the Villans ahead in just the seventh minute. Lucas Digne doubled their lead from a free-kick soon afterwards.
A Luke Shaw effort deflected off Jacob Ramsey to give Manchester United a goal back in the 45th minute. However, Ramsey went up the other end and scored early in the second half. This ensured all three points remained in the West Midlands.
Both Erik ten Hag and Emery are likely to make a few changes for the cup clash to rest players amid the busy schedule. But there should still be some big names on the pitch as Ten Hag will be hoping his team can get back to winning ways.
The transfer rumour mill is starting to ramp up as we get closer to the January window opening. And Man Utd have been tipped to be involved in numerous transfers.
Everton and Leicester are supposedly hoping to sign Shaw, who is in the final year of his Man Utd contract. Cody Gakpo, whom Ten Hag wants to sign for Man Utd, could end up at Liverpool thanks to a Pep Lijnders recommendation.
One player that may well join Man Utd in 2023 is Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The Swiss-born Portugal international is hoping to be part of Fernando Santos’ squad for the World Cup.
Man Utd-linked star enjoying impressive campaign
Costa is only 23 years old but is already Porto’s number one, having played in every single game this term. And he has kept clean sheets against Bayer Leverkusen and Club Brugge in the Champions League. This helped Porto to pull off a shock and finish top of Group B.
Reports claim Man Utd are looking into signing Costa to replace David de Gea in the long run.
Porto are obviously aware of the transfer links. They have taken steps to keep the shot-stopper in Portugal, as well as protect his transfer value. They have given him a new contract which runs until summer 2027. Romano claims it includes a release clause worth €75million (currently £65.4m).
While a new contract sometimes puts interested clubs off, that is not necessarily the case regarding Costa. During an interview with CaughtOffside, Romano has revealed Man Utd ‘continue to monitor’ Costa. This may see Ten Hag still get his man next year.
“There’s been more speculation about the goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford due to recent interest in Diogo Costa, who has just signed a new contract at Porto. I thought I’d summarise the situation,” Romano said.
“There is no decision yet on David de Gea, still the same situation – we’ll see when Man United and Erik ten Hag will decide.”
Diogo Costa may arrive as Dean Henderson’s replacement
Romano then explained how Dean Henderson is feeling about his Man Utd future. It seems the Englishman will be replaced by Costa.
“I think Dean Henderson will look for different options after going out on loan to Nottingham Forest this season,” Romano added.
“With Costa, Man Utd are going to continue to monitor him as he’s a top talent. [He] has a release clause in his new deal with Porto.”
The Porto academy graduate would be a good signing for Man Utd. For a keeper he is very young, plus he is demonstrating his huge potential this season.
Man Utd signed De Gea from Atletico Madrid when he was just 20 and that move proved to be a masterclass. De Gea has been questioned at times but overall he has been a true servant to the club and has saved them in plenty of huge matches.
Costa could follow in De Gea’s footsteps by joining Man Utd as a young player before becoming one of their most important stars. It will cost the Red Devils a significant transfer fee, but the move could well be worth it.
