Manchester United linked goalkeeper Diogo Costa has been earning praise after his weekend performance.
David de Gea won the Golden Glove at the weekend with his 17th clean sheet of the season. This staked a claim for new expected new contract, but as The Telegraph point out, even if he signs a new deal he may not be number one.
Several goalkeepers have been linked with arriving in the summer. The most exciting of all is Porto and Portugal number one Diogo Costa, with ESPN reporting he is on the club’s list.
Fabrizio Romano has reported Costa has a £65 million release clause in his contract.
Diogo Costa praised
Diogo Costa starred in Porto’s 4-2 away victory against Famalicao at the weekend and while Iran striker Mehdi Taremi scored all four goals for his side, it was Costa who picked up the plaudits from the opposing manager.
Famalicao boss João Pedro Sousa told O Jogo that Costa was the difference between the two teams.
He said: “The game seemed broken at times and the detail that was “the biggest” was Diogo Costa’s ability to solve problems when we were in uphill areas.”
Costa has 15 clean sheets in 32 games for Porto this season and made three important saves during his side’s win at the weekend.
He also completed 89 per cent of his passes, an area in which he really excels, and is the biggest difference with De Gea, along with his age at just 23.
Manchester United regularly have scouts watching games in Portugal and the club will be well aware of Costa’s talent.
Whether a move comes off will likely come down to price. With other areas, namely striker, also requiring strengthening this summer, it may depend on what money United have left once these are addressed – even though there is a case to be made that goalkeeper should be a priority long-term.
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