Manchester United are plotting a move to sign a dominant defender after Liverpool’s interest in him has cooled.
The Red Devils are expected to be active in this summer’s transfer window. Defence is likely to be their priority, irrespective of who their manager will be – Erik ten Hag‘s future is yet to be decided by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
A number of players have already been linked with a move to Manchester United, and the rumour mill has produced another name now, one that was on Liverpool’s radar until very recently.
Liverpool and Manchester United’s stance on Ousmane Diomande
Both Liverpool and Manchester United could do with a new centre-back this summer.
Arne Slot’s side are set to release Joel Matip at the end of his contract, while Virgil van Dijk‘s long-term future remains uncertain as well as he enters the final year of his deal.
Ibrahima Konate is attracting interest from PSG as well, who would love to sign him if his contract talks with Liverpool collapse.
As for Manchester United, Raphael Varane has announced he is leaving the club, while Harry Maguire could be sold too after the Euros.
A new centre-half is an absolute necessity, and the Express share the latest on the situation.
The report claims that Liverpool have cooled their interest in Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande in recent weeks, but Manchester United have are weighing up a move to sign him.
The Ivory Coast international is ‘one of the most exciting young talents in Europe’. It’s only a matter of time before he leaves Sporting, and Manchester United could be his next destination.
It has been claimed that Diomande, despite having a release clause of £68 million could be available for a lot less. Sporting are looking for £51 million, but the report reveals that a bid of £35 million will also be seriously considered.
The Express add that Manchester United are ‘mulling over a proposal’ to sign Diomande, but the next round of talks will take place only after Ten Hag’s future becomes more clear.
Diomande’s style of play would be perfect for Manchester United
Manchester United have a lot of work to do in this summer’s transfer window.
Despite winning the FA Cup, their 2023/24 season was a really poor one, and they have a lot to improve on. Defence is probably the biggest area.
Manchester United are right to target Diomande – he is everything they need.
Scouted Notebook describe the Sporting Lisbon star as “big and fast, a dominant defender in duels and solid in the air, calm and confident in possession, as well as remarkably two-footed on the ball.”
They further add that “he ticks the boxes of the extreme demands elite teams now place on their centre-backs.”
A fast, strong and dominant centre-back who is good on the ball and is comfortable on both feet is exactly what Manchester United need. Diomande is that player, and the fact that he’s still only 20 means he’ll get even better in the coming years.
If Diomande is available for anything around £35 million, Manchester United should be all over this deal as he would be perfect for them.