Manchester United are closing in on deals to sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae and Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who would usurp David De Gea as the club’s number one goalkeeper.
De Gea’s future at Old Trafford is in serious doubt; he is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and having turning down their opening contract offer, there is now a big possibility that he leaves the club this summer.
The Spaniard has made multiple dreadful errors this campaign, including in United’s recent 1-0 defeat at West Ham in the Premier League while he was also at fault for Manchester City ’s winning goal in their FA Cup final triumph over United on Saturday.
De Gea signed a hefty deal in 2019 that made him not only the club's highest-paid player but also the Premier League's top earner on £375,000 per week. The goalkeeper accepts that at the age of 32, he cannot command the same type of money, but still wants an amount that reflects his value.
United are thought to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer to provide competition for De Gea’s place and possibly usurp him as first choice. Costa is one candidate, while United are keeping tabs on Brentford shot stopper David Raya – although Tottenham ’s interest is thought to be more advanced for the Spaniard, who is out of contract in 2024.
A report in A Bola claims that United’s interest in Costa is already well under way, with Chelsea and Newcastle said to hold an interest – but neither club is advanced. The future of the shot-stopper will come to a swift conclusion after Sunday’s Portuguese Cup final, it is added.
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Separately, it is claimed that Manchester United have an agreement in place to land defender Kim from Napoli. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, insiders at Napoli are 'taking it for granted' Kim will be a United player in the summer.
Kim, 26, has been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford for months despite only moving to Naples last year. The South Korean international enjoyed a tremendous campaign as he starred in the club’s remarkable Serie A title-winning campaign, but his contract contains a release clause that is believed to be £43million.
United boss Erik ten Hag wants to add another elite central defender to his ranks this summer to compete with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez for a starting role – both have had injury issues this campaign. Luke Shaw has often been deployed in the position this season.
A deal for Kim is said by Naples-based Il Mattino to be in place, the player has no doubts about joining United – who simply need to pay his clause. Indeed, Napoli are said to have already lined-up Kevin Danso of Lens as Kim’s replacement.
United are clearing the decks somewhat to accommodate a higher level of signing, such as Kim, this summer. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are both leaving as free agents at the end of their respective contracts with further defenders set to depart.
Club captain Harry Maguire will have any transfer offers listened to by the club, while United are also looking for the permanent exits of Alex Telles and Eric Bailly, who are both returning from loan spells at Sevilla and Marseille respectively with De Gea’s future still unclear.
