In a bid to replace Raphael Varane this summer, Manchester United are searching high and low for a top-quality centre-back.
Centre-half was always going to be a priority for Manchester United this summer, but the exit of Raphael Varane for free has only heightened the need to strengthen.
Varane’s departure could soon be succeeded by Jonny Evans and also potentially a sale with Victor Lindelof believed to be available.
After a season which saw the defence suffer, an overhaul was needed to fix the ageing defensive cohort.
Over the past week, there have been several links to centre-backs, all of which are young and exciting, now it’s been reported that United are considering a 20-year-old from the Liga Portugal.
Ousmane Diomande identified by Manchester United as target this summer
There is no shortage of options for United to sign at centre-back this summer, and now according to a report from The Express, Sporting Lisbon’s Ivorian Ousmane Diomande has been considered.
The report explains that United are considering a move for Diomande who is fresh off winning the Liga Portugal with Sporting.
Liverpool and Newcastle were in the race, however, they have both cooled their interest but that’s only a positive for the Old Trafford outfit.
Sporting are reportedly ready to compromise on their asking price which is now £51m with £35m expected to be an amount Sporting would seriously consider. This is because they need to raise funds through sales, which leaves the club in a tricky position and keen to do a deal.
Diomande is a player United have been keen on for a while as the report mentions that his representatives met with the club earlier this season, with more talks planned for after Erik ten Hag‘s future becomes clear.
Diomande is the latest to be linked, with Jarrad Branthwaite, Aaron Anselmino and Jean-Clair Todibo all having their names mentioned in recent weeks.
Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon have a storied transfer past
United have gone shopping in Lisbon often over the years, with most being massive successes.
Cristiano Ronaldo came first back in 2003, and we all know how that transfer turned out as he goes down to be a club legend.
Four years later, Nani followed Ronaldo and he was a favourite for many and definitely an underrated player from his time at the club.
Marcos Rojo was next, seven years after Nani, as he was a Louis van Gaal signing and became a bit of a cult hero at the club.
Finally, Bruno Fernandes arrived in 2020 and is currently the captain and the club’s most important player.
So if Diomande arrives, he’ll be joining good company as a former Sporting player at Carrington.