Manchester United are reportedly preparing to challenge a host of Premier League clubs for Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande.
The Red Devils are keen to improve numerous departments in their squad with the attack being the first priority.
Nonetheless, were finances to become available due to player sales, the Red Devils may look to bolster their defence with the departures of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof at the end of June.
One player that head coach Ruben Amorim knows very well is his former centre back at Sporting, Diomande.
The Red Devils’ interest in the player pre-dates their appointment of Amorim however, as they were linked to a move for the defender last year under Erik ten Hag.
It was also reported in the winter market, that United were prepared to launch a €60 million raid on the Portuguese club to secure the services of Diomande.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola have reported this morning that “the siege on Diomande is tightening. The first movements surrounding the Ivorian central defender have already emerged for a few months, but they promise to accelerate in the coming weeks.”
It is claimed that Crystal Palace are keen on the defender due to a potential departure of Marc Guehi to Newcastle United.
Numerous clubs are said to be keeping an eye on the 21 year old who was recently named in the league’s team of the season.
Palace are said to be the most advanced in their pursuit of Diomande. After enquiries they learned that “the Lions will only be willing to sit at the negotiating table for values in the region of €60 million”, due to him becoming one of the leaders of the defence this season.
The FA Cup winners are not the only club in the mix though as “Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as Bayern Munich are also keeping an eye on the defender and could make an offer in the coming days.”
The Ivorian played 46 games this season, solidifying himself as one of the most exciting defensive talents in Portugal.
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
