Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says has played down the chances of Manchester United signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Diogo Costa has been tipped as Manchester United’s replacement for David de Gea, with the Portugal number one making a real name for himself.
ESPN is among the many outlets to report Costa is on Manchester United’s shortlist.
However, the finances required to do the deal makes the move difficult, explains Romano.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Manchester United goalkeeper targets
Another name Manchester United have been linked to is Anderlecht stopper Bart Verbruggen.
The Dutch goalkeeper plays his club football in Belgium and The MEN report he is on Manchester United’s list, amid a £15 million price tag.
Speaking to the United Stand, Fabrizio Romano says he believes a transfer for Verbruggen may be more likely than Diogo Costa.
Costa has a release clause of £65 million, but Romano questions whether United will actually stump up the money.
He explained: “I don’t think United are going to extend contract of David de Gea and sign a top goalkeeper like Diogo, with release clause of 75 million euros.
“United have conversations, they are following the goalkeeper with their scouting department, but it is not something advanced because Porto always sell for release clauses and at the moment this is not the case for Manchester United to go there and pay 75m euros.”
Quizzed about Verbruggen, Romano said he feels this is a more likely strategy from United.
“I think this would be a smart signing, a young goalkeeper from a developmental league Belgian league, maybe Dutch league. [Ten Hag will] try and find an opportunity for a young goalkeeper who can be in competition with David de Gea.”
It is somewhat frustrating that United may be shaping the club’s strategy around David de Gea, who continues to stand out as one of the weaknesses in the team, despite his Golden Glove award.
Romano adds that De Gea’s new deal is ‘very very advanced’. But no announcement has yet been made by the club.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
