Manchester United have already been told the qualities that Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa possesses amid links with a big-money move to Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old kept 16 clean sheets for Porto in the Portuguese league this season as the club narrowly missed out on the title to Benfica. Costa remarkably only conceded 22 goals in 33 league games, leading to suggestions that he could be a long-term replacement for David De Gea.
Erik ten Hag is hopeful De Gea will sign a new deal with the Spaniard’s contract is set to expire but the United boss is unable to promise the 32-year-old that he will remain first-choice. Quizzed about the player’s future after the FA Cup final, Ten Hag said: "Say it like this: we are in the right direction. But there are occasions in the game, issues in the game, we have to improve, definitely, if we want to make the next step and win trophies."
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De Gea’s 17 clean sheets saw him pick up the Premier League’s Golden Glove award this term but that has not stopped reports that the club are hunting for a new goalkeeper. Portuguese outlet A Bola has claimed that the club are continuing to pursue a deal for Costa, despite his hefty release clause.
The Porto goalkeeper recently signed a contract until 2027, which includes a €75m (£65m) clause that United would have to trigger in order to snap up the Portugal international. One man who does know Costa's qualities is current United defender Diogo Dalot.
“I grew up with him and he’s my friend, there’s a great relationship between us," Dalot told Maisfutebol last month. "I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be one of the best in the world.
“I don’t know if he’ll be at Manchester United or another big club in Europe, but he shows at Porto that he is a big player and has helped the club a lot. If he continues there, I’ll be happy. If he leaves, I hope he has the greatest success at his next club.”
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