Man Utd enter race for €80m Chelsea & Arsenal target

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 31 May 2024 16:25 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande as they look for a Raphael Varane replacement.

Varane, 31, has left Old Trafford upon the expiration of his contract and Erik ten Hag’s side are now searching for an adequate successor.

Several different names have emerged as legitimate candidates to replace Varane this summer, including Jean-Clair Todibo, Gleison Bremer, Ronald Araujo and more recently, Trevoh Chalobah.

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However, Man Utd have also now joined the race to land Diomande, according to The Express.

The Ivory Coast international is one of the most sought-after defenders in world football and currently has a release clause worth €80 million. However, The Express have revealed that Sporting will seriously consider any offer above €40m.

Chelsea and Arsenal have been pursuing Diomande for around six months, while Liverpool and Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for the Sporting CP star.

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As per The Express, Diomande’s representatives met with Man Utd earlier this season and the Red Devils are now considering a proposal as they ramp up their search for a Varane replacement.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is also a priority target for Man Utd, but he is a left-footed defender and hence would not block a move for Diomande.

The Ivorian has three years left on his current contract at Sporting, having signed a four-and-a-half year deal upon his arrival from FC Midtjylland in January 2023.

Will Erik ten Hag be sacked?

While Man Utd continue to focus on bolstering their squad ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, question marks still remain surrounding the future of Ten Hag.

The Dutchman guided Man Utd to FA Cup glory earlier this month, but the Red Devils’ eighth-place finish in the Premier League was subpar and he remains under massive pressure.

Man Utd will reportedly not rush to any decision regarding Ten Hag, although there are several candidates to replace him, including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi.