Crystal Palace have opened talks with Sporting CP over the signing of reported Manchester United defensive target Ousmane Diomande.
The defensive department is an area of the pitch United could look to strengthen this summer, especially after the confirmed exits of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof. Following United’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season, the club announced that Evans and Lindelof will leave once their contracts expire at the end of the month.
Factor in the fact that Lisandro Martinez will need time to get fully back up to speed after suffering a devastating ACL injury, and it’s easy to see why United may need defensive reinforcements.
Diomande, a player Ruben Amorim coached at Sporting, has been regularly linked with a move to United.
But the Red Devils have not been alone in their interest in Diomande. Manchester City were also previously mentioned as admirers of his.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were ready to challenge a host of Premier League clubs to land the 21-year-old’s signature.
However, Crystal Palace appear to be making the most decisive moves in the race to seal the deal. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the FA Cup holders have opened talks with Sporting for Diomande.
Romano wrote on X, “Crystal Palace are in talks with Sporting CP for Ousmane Diomandé as new centre back.”
“Negotiations underway with player open to Premier League move. Oliver Glasner has also approved Diomandé as target.”
🚨🦅 Crystal Palace are in talks with Sporting CP for Ousmane Diomandé as new centre back.
Negotiations underway with player open to Premier League move. Oliver Glasner has also approved Diomandé as target. pic.twitter.com/ol7XHPVuCx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2025
This information has been corroborated by Sky Sports, who note that Glasner wants a top-class centre-back this summer and Diomande is seen as someone who fits the bill.
Crystal Palace have held initial talks over the signing of Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande 👀 pic.twitter.com/LyC7KvFbEm
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 19, 2025
BBC’s Sami Mokbel notes that Diomande carries a £40 million price tag, which would eclipse Palace’s record £32 million signing of Christian Benteke in 2016.
It remains unclear whether this latest development will prompt United to act or if they’ll allow Diomande to move to Selhurst Park unchallenged.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
