Man Utd now "attentive" to £51m star, could make offer in the "coming days" - report
Manchester United are monitoring Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande amid interest from Crystal Palace, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola (page 8).
The Ivory Coast international has developed into one of the best centre-backs in the Primeira Liga. He could pursue a new challenge during the summer transfer window.
A Bola claim that Crystal Palace have made the first approach for the 21-year-old, and Sporting CP have informed that they want at least £51m to sanction his sale.
The outlet add that the Red Devils are ‘very attentive’ to the defender’s situation at Sporting CP, and they could ‘move forward’ with a proposal in the ‘coming days’.
United could consider move for Diomande
The Red Devils are set to part ways with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans at the expiry of their contracts on June 30. Lisandro Martinez may not be fit for the new season after knee surgery.
This could urge United to enter the transfer market for a central defender. Manager Ruben Amorim could prefer to recruit one of his former players from Sporting CP.
Goncalo Inacio is a left-footed option that could be signed, but Amorim could be tempted to land Diomande, who has operated in every position in the back three.
He had a passing accuracy of 94 percent last season, with 65 percent aerial duels won. Diomande made 4.5 recoveries and 2.6 clearances per league game, alongside 1.2 tackles.
Despite his impressive statistics, he was guilty of conceding four penalties in all competitions. The Ivorian needs to improve his decision-making, having been sent off twice.
The former Midtjylland star still possesses immense potential at 21. A deal could be done if Sporting CP accept staggered payments over a period of four to five years.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .