Dalot hails Man Utd target tipped to replace De Gea

Tom Hancock

• 10 May 2023 21:08 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has tipped Portuguese compatriot and namesake Diogo Costa for big, big things – amid reports that Man Utd are eyeing the Porto goalkeeper as a replacement for David de Gea.

De Gea has made some costly mistakes in recent weeks, threatening Man Utd’s Champions League qualification hopes – although the club are said to be keen to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side have been linked with a potential €80m move for Costa, 23 – which would equal the highest fee ever paid for a goalkeeper (by Chelsea to Athletic Bilbao for Kepa Arrizabalaga).

READ MORE: Man Utd weigh up world record move for De Gea replacement

And Dalot has made quite clear the high regard in which he holds Costa. The left-back told Portuguese outlet Mais Futebol:

“I grew up with him; he’s my friend; there’s a great relationship between us and I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be [world-class]. I don’t know if he’ll be at Manchester United or another big club in Europe.

“If he continues [at Porto], I’ll be extremely happy; if he leaves, I hope he has the greatest success in the world.”

READ MORE: Man Utd have FA Cup final plan for Amad that shows his future

Diogo done good

Costa progressed through Porto’s youth ranks and made his first-team debut shortly after his 20th birthday.

He’s already made 100 appearances for the 30-time Portuguese champions – who trail Primeira leaders Benfica by four points with four games of the current campaign remaining as they look to retain their title.

Last year saw Costa cement his place as Portugal’s number one, as he featured in all five of his country’s matches en route to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.