Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd transfer latest: Ten Hag in prime position to sign long-term De Gea successor but United will have to pay £52m

Diogo Costa Porto stopper

Manchester United are reportedly leading the race for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, although he will cost upwards of £52million in the January transfer window.

A report from Diario de Noticias claims United are ‘at the head’ of the queue for the highly-rated stopper who has been in superb form so far this season.

Diario states that Poro manager Sergio Conceicao is facing a potential January headache as Costa ‘activated the radars’ of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

United, however, appear to be in a prime position to strike as they search for a long-term replacement for David de Gea.

The report adds that Costa’s performances could lead to him becoming Porto’s most expensive transfer of all time.

Costa has been shining on the biggest club stage of them all in the Champions League.

Just this week he became the only goalkeeper in the competition’s history to save a penalty and provide an assist in the same match as Porto won 3-0 at Bayer Leverkusen.

That has led to huge praise from legendary Real Madrid stopper Iker Casillas, who believes Costa has a big future.

United are known to have been watching the 23-year-old for some time, with one eye on De Gea’s contract situation.

The Spaniard can walk away from the club on a free next summer. However, the Red Devils do have a one-year option they can choose to take up.

As for Costa, the report adds he will cost United €60m (£52m) which is the plater’s current release clause.

Diogo Costa a world-beater 

That is bargain price, however, according to former Chelsea midfielder Maniche.

He told Diario de Noticias: “Diogo Costa is not only at this moment one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, but also in the whole world.

“I honestly think that the value of the clause is short for his quality. Look at the example of Kepa, who was sold for €80m, or Alisson and Courtois.

“Currently Diogo Costa is not behind them. Probably, to the dismay of the fans, he won’t be at FC Porto for long. He has every chance of becoming the most expensive goalkeeper in the world. He is already at the level of the best.

“As well as the quality between the posts, he’s very good at getting out and playing with his feet.

“This is a characteristic of modern goalkeepers that the great coaches appreciate. He has great vision, and, despite his age, he already has great charisma, a great presence between the posts.”

United are back in Premier League action on Sunday when they host Newcastle at Old Trafford.

READ MORE: Gary Neville assesses how Ten Hag has handled Ronaldo situation after noticing Man Utd clue