Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Euro Paper Talk: Ten Hag decides on £52m signing as Man Utd book in two major deals; Leeds in mix for world-class attacker

Diogo Costa (Porto), Otavio (Porto), Paulinho (Bayer) during Champions League game in Leverkusen, Germany

Manchester United are ready to spend £52m in January with the signing triggering another big deal at Old Trafford, Leeds remain in the hunt for a stunning attacking signing, while Friday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Chelsea star Jorginho has decided on his next club.

TEN HAG DECIDES THAT DIOGO COSTA WILL BE NEW MAN UTD NO 1

Erik ten Hag has reportedly settled on Diogo Costa as the man to replace long-serving David De Gea in the Manchester United goal.

The Red Devils allowed Ten Hag to spend heavily over the summer as some £216m was shelled out on strengthening their squad. But the process is only just getting started with United planning the next phase of their rebuilding.

Indeed, next on United’s agenda is a new goalkeeper with a decision on De Gea’s future coming to a head. The Spanish goalkeeper will be out of contract next summer and Ten Hag is deciding whether to offer him an extension.

However, there remains some doubts he is entirely suitable to United’s approach under Ten Hag. To that end, their high-tempo football, designed to beat the high press, means United need a keeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Furthermore, the £350,000 a week that De Gea reportedly earns can certainly be used to better effect elsewhere. As such, it is likely United and De Gea are set for a parting of ways in 2023 with a free transfer now a growing possibility.

In addition, two separate reports in Portugal claim Ten Hag has decided that he wants Costa as his new No 1.

The Porto keeper has a growing reputation in the game and, at 23, is already seen as one of the world’s best. Indeed, he has kept five clean sheets in 10 league games so far this season. Costa also has successive clean sheets in the Champions League to help Porto through to the last 16.

United ready to spend big for Diogo Costa

Per O Jogo, Porto plan to extend Costa’s contract in the coming weeks. However, that will not stop United triggering his exit clause which is set at £52m (€60m).

Another Portuguese outlet, Correio da Manha, goes one step further and claim United have already booked in Costa for a January move to Old Trafford.

Per reports, United’s decision to spend big on a new goalkeeper in the new year will also alter Ten Hag’s transfer plans. The Red Devils were also planning to sign a new right-back in the new year with Denzel Dumfries in their sights.

However, the excellent form of Diogo Dalot has seemingly convinced Ten Hag to abandon that chase. Instead, United will offer Dalot, whose deal expires next summer, a bumper new deal as a reward for his progress.

The Portuguese star has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season. He also has one goal and one assist to his name, having netted the opener on Thursday evening against FC Sheriff in the Europa League.

LEEDS ‘REMAIN IN CODY GAKPO HUNT’

Leeds remain in the transfer picture for Cody Gakpo with PSV urgently needing to sell in January and despite links to Man Utd. (De Telegraaf)

Valencia are the new leaders in the race to sign Donny van de Beek with coach Gennaro Gattuso believing he can rescue the midfielder from his Man Utd misery. (Todofijcahés)

Rumours suggesting Antonio Conte may return to Juventus are gathering pace after fixing his relationship with Bianconeri president Andrea Agnelli. Conte remains the leading candidate to replace Massimiliano Allegri with his Tottenham deal expiring next summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Granit Xhaka is now considered as ‘non-transferable’ by Arsenal after almost leaving for Roma earlier this year. (Tuttomercatoweb)

Borussia Dortmund are not hopeful of keeping Jude Bellingham beyond next summer. That’s amid fears that Real Madrid are his most likely next club. (various)

Chelsea remain in the driving seat to sign Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig despite rumours of an approach from Liverpool. (Fabrizio Romano)

JORGINHO WAITING ON BARCELONA TRANSFER

Jorginho is waiting on a proposal from Barcelona before committing his future to Chelsea. But the Italy star wants a decision wrapped up before the end of January. (Sport)

Barcelona are also very much considering a move to sign Youri Tielemans with the Blaugrana’s focus on players with expiring deals. (Sport)

Newcastle are keeping a close watch on Eden Hazard’s situation amid claims Real Madrid are looking to sell the Belgian. (Todofijachés)

Barcelona will try to sign two players in January with a midfielder and right-back top of their wishlist. But hopes of a move for Diogo Dalot look over with Man Utd ready to extend his contract. (Sport)

Thierry Henry has likened Xavi’s situation at Barcelona to Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, claiming only ‘prestige’ is preventing his sacking. (CBS Sport)

Manchester United are ready to pinch the signing of Edson Alvarez from under Chelsea’s noses as Erik ten Hag eyes another raid on Ajax. (ESPN)

LIVERPOOL LINE UP DORTMUND STARLET

Borussia Dortmund stars Jude Bellingham and Youssoufa Moukoko

Liverpool reportedly have a deal in place to sign 17-year-old Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko. (various)

Tommaso Pobega insists he remains happy at AC Milan despite rumours suggesting he may return to Torino. (Tutosport)

Man Utd are battling Chelsea to sign Netherlands U21 international Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. (Football Transfers)

Valencia are hoping to make former Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba a permanent signing after impressing while on loan. (AS)

Roma are plotting a move to sign Arsenal target and Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar in the January window. (Calciomercato)

Tottenham are keen on Walid Cheddira, but are yet to make a firm offer for the Bari striker. (Cusano Italia TV)