MANCHESTER UNITED will have to pay £65million to sign Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to reports.
The club have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old since it emerged the Red Devils may allow David de Gea to leave on a free transfer.
The current No1’s contract expires at the end of this season and if the Spaniard does depart, United seemingly want Costa to replace him.
But Costa has a release clause worth £65million in his contract – and Man Utd will have to stump up the cash to force Porto into offloading him.
Correio da Manha report Sergio Conceicao’s team do not have plans to sell in January, with the player having recently signed a new contract.
Costa put pen to paper in November, keeping him at Porto until 2027.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
Erik ten Hag has been impressed by his performances for Portugal at the World Cup.
Costa has also played 19 times for his club this season, not missing a game in the Portuguese top flight or Champions League.
He also featured in every match for his country at the World Cup before they were knocked out in the quarter-final.
Man Utd have reportedly been scouting Costa for some time and like that he is comfotable with the ball at his feet.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
United are expected make contact with Porto representatives soon.
Unai Simon of Athletic Bilbao and Spain is an alternative option.
The 25-year-old stopper has been the national team’s first choice ahead of De Gea in recent years.
Simon has also attracted attention from Tottenham – who see him as a potential long-term option to replace Hugo Lloris.
Meanwhile, Yann Sommer has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk