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Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their bid to sign David de Gea’s long-term successor Diogo Costa this summer.
Portuguese A Bola reports that the Red Devils want the Porto stopper to replace club stalwart De Gea, despite recent reports that the Spaniard could be closing in on a new Old Trafford contract.
Costa will not come though, having recently signed a new contract. Indeed, his new deal included a release clause of €75million (£66.4m), which Porto will look to fully activate if any suitors come calling.
The 23-year-old is widely regarded as one of the top young keepers in European football and has kept 13 clean sheets across all competitions for Porto this season.
But despite the A Bola report, it’s claimed that United are still willing to hand De Gea a fresh contract.
The 32-year-old continues to operate at a high level for a United side going from strength to strength under Erik ten Hag. And, while the odd glaring error continues to be a part of his game, Ten Hag is understood to be willing to keep De Gea as his number one.
De Gea on trial to keep his job
However, during the remaining months of the campaign, as United continue to operate on several fronts, De Gea is very much expected to be on trial to earn that extended contract.
And with United very much landing on Costa as the Spaniard’s perfect replacement, any more notable slip-ups that end up costing his side points or cup exits could prove fatal.
As for Ten Hag, the Dutchman would arguably prefer to spend the potential Costa fee on other areas of his team.
A new central striker remains his top target in the summer, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen leading the way in that regard.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, also wants the Red Devils to be in the mix for Jude Bellingham, if the England man is made available by Borussia Dortmund.
Source:Team Talk