Diogo Costa, a custodian from Porto, is supposedly “finalising” a move to the Premier League with Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.

Reports that one of Europe’s most promising goalkeepers may be close to a move to Old Trafford provide a welcome, and exciting, break from all the “Sir Jim Ratcliffe vs. Sheikh Jassim” drama during what could be a make-or-break few days for Ten Hag’s summer plans – some semblance of clarity finally expected regarding the club’s long-awaited takeover.

According to the Portuguese newspaper Corriere de Manha, Manchester United is now “finalising a proposal” to purchase FC Porto’s Diogo Costa.

In his contract, Costa has a £65 million release clause. He is also without a doubt the most “sellable” asset owned by a Porto team that is under pressure to generate money before the month’s end in order to stabilise their critical financial condition.

Diogo Costa, the Porto custodian, actually joining Manchester United?
At the risk of dampening this celebration, it has only been a few weeks since a number of Italian newspapers reported that Red Devils defender Kim Min-Jae of Napoli was close to signing a contract.

The South Korean international is still Ten Hag’s favourite center-half choice, according to Fabrizio Romano, so there is no indication that Kim is not a goal. However, any trade is not quite as far along as some had suggested.

Harry Kane and/or Rasmus Hojlund are the strikers that Ten Hag prioritises, along with a midfielder like Mason Mount. It also appears doubtful that United would spend more than £40 million to bolster any other part of Ten Hag’s team until they can free up cash by selling players like Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay.

However, everything is still possible. And rather promptly.

According to David Ornstein, a resolution to this regrettable, protracted takeover drama is now anticipated shortly. The earlier the Glazer period ends, the sooner Manchester United can go on with agreements for players like Kim and Costa, with negotiations for Hojlund and Mount already well along.

An improvement over David de Gea
Ten Hag, on the other hand, is open about his intention to replace his current custodian with one who is more at ease handling the ball. Although David de Gea has agreed to a new contract, his future as the club’s starting custodian is far from clear.

The criticised Spaniard with the ball at his feet would be greatly improved by Costa, who will turn 24 in September and was fairly evasive when questioned about Man United’s interest over the weekend. Costa is a shot-stopper with the passing range of an experienced playmaker.

De Gea is not always going to be the Dutchman’s first choice, he recently told The Times. “Because there needs to be competition for all positions in a team like Manchester United. It is impossible with 11 players.It cannot be done. You require two places.

“I don’t want a custodian (who can pass the ball). Today’s elite football demands more of it. You must be able to play from the back if you want to compete with the top teams. Use your keeper as a plus one in your back if you have to. Otherwise, it’s quite easy for adversaries to exert pressure on you.

“De Gea had to act decisively. He made improvement in a lot of games.