Diogo Costa's agent pushing for Premier League transfer amid Man Utd speculation

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 9 Jun 2023 08:02 CDT
3 min read

Diogo Costa, Porto, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Agent Jorge Mendes is trying to get client and Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa a Premier League move this summer, FootballTransfers has been told.

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There have been recent reports suggesting that Manchester United are preparing a bid for the shot-stopper but we have been informed that this could be down to his intermediary trying to drive interest.

Portugal's first-choice stopper has been linked with the Premier League side for some time and now it seems his side are trying to ramp up the pressure.

Speaking before about the speculation around his future, he said: 'That's the internet. It is a happiness and an honour to play for my favourite club. What they say is what they say, there is nothing concrete, I have a contract until 2027 and I hope to continue, let's see.

However, today Cofina Media claim United are in the latter stages of preparing an offer - and that Porto are in need of funds before the financial year closes on June 30.

David de Gea’s contract remains up in the air but the sounds are that the veteran is likely to agree to fresh terms.

Costa has a £65m release clause which would, at this point, take up a substantial amount of the club’s budget going into the summer transfer window.

De Gea won the Premier League's Golden Glove award in 2022/23, with 17 clean sheets but some feel that other areas of his game are not up to scratch.

Ten Hag on goalkeepers

Speaking to The Times, Ten Hag said of what ideal goalkeeper he would like: "It's not what I want [top footwork], it's more what top football demands nowadays.

“If you observe teams, you have to be capable of playing from the back and use your keeper as a plus one. Otherwise, it's simple for opponents to put you under pressure." He continued. “He [De Gea] had to step up. In a number of games, he showed progression."

Ten Hag continued: "I will not say he’ll [De Gea] always be my No.1 because, in a club like Manchester United, there must be competition in all positions.

"You can’t do it with 11 players. It is impossible. You need double positions.”