Manchester City poised to hijack £51m Manchester United target this summer

Manchester City are set to pip Manchester United to Porto star Diogo Costa

Manchester United’s season has fallen far below expectations, despite a managerial change aimed at reversing their fortunes. The club currently languishes in 14th place in the league and has already exited both domestic cup competitions. With only the Europa League left as a potential silver lining, the Red Devils are gearing up for a major summer rebuild.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have been linked with a promising goalkeeper from the Portuguese league, but now face competition from United. The Old Trafford side are reportedly in the market for a new shot-stopper, as doubts continue to grow over André Onana following a series of underwhelming performances by the Cameroonian.

Manchester City are set to pip Manchester United to Porto star Diogo Costa.

It’s no surprise that Manchester United are in the market for a new goalkeeper. André Onana has struggled to find consistent form since his arrival, drawing criticism for pulling off spectacular saves while often failing to deal with routine efforts. A string of costly errors has only intensified the pressure on the Cameroonian, prompting the club to explore alternatives.

Across town, Manchester City are also facing uncertainty between the posts. Ederson has just one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad, and while it’s unclear whether the club will make a move this summer or allow him to leave on a free next year, they are actively scouting for a long-term replacement. For both Manchester clubs, Diogo Costa has emerged as a leading candidate to take over the No. 1 role.

Manchester City make the first move

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is expected to be one of the most sought-after players this summer following a stellar season in European competition. The Portuguese international has featured in 41 matches for Porto, conceding just 44 goals and keeping 18 clean sheets, an impressive record that has attracted the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. Manchester City have identified Costa as the ideal long-term successor to Ederson and are reportedly keen to secure his services for less than his £64 million release clause.

However, they face stiff competition from Manchester United, who view Costa as their top target to replace André Onana, should the Cameroonian depart this summer. According to SkySportCH, City’s goalkeeping coach Xabier Mancisidor has already held talks with Costa, and the player is believed to have given the green light to a potential move. Despite this, Porto remain firm in their stance and are unwilling to accept anything less than the full release clause. City have tabled a £51 million bid, hoping it will be enough to sway the Portuguese club into parting with their star goalkeeper.

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To be fair, Diogo Costa would represent a smart and strategic investment for Manchester United. As the club undergoes a significant rebuild, signing a top-tier Portuguese goalkeeper under the guidance of Portuguese manager Rúben Amorim aligns well with the vision for the future. However, with Manchester City now firmly in the race, United must act decisively and demonstrate genuine ambition if they are serious about securing Costa’s signature.