Manchester United goalkeeper target Diogo Costa has cooled speculation linking him with a move to the Theatre of Dreams this summer, admitting that Porto is the club of his life amid reports he could be Old Trafford bound.
Erik ten Hag revealed that he would like to keep David de Gea at the club, but made no promises that he would be first choice and a shaky FA Cup final performance will have done little to persuade him to reconsider.
“Yes [he will stay], but I will not say he’ll always be my No.1 because in a club like Man United there must be competition in all positions. You can’t do it with 11 players”, Ten Hag explained.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 03: David de Gea of Manchester United reacts prior the UEFA Europa League group E match between Real Sociedad and Manchester United on November 3, 2022 at Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain. Credit: Ricardo Larreina/AFLO/A 2KBTKJ3 SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 03: David de Gea of Manchester United reacts prior the UEFA Europa League group E match between Real Sociedad and Manchester United on November 3, 2022 at Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain. Credit: Ricardo Larreina/AFLO/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
The Red Devils have been linked with several goalkeepers including Premier League pair David Raya and Jordan Pickford, and Costa is another that has been regularly linked with a move to the club amid talks of a 75m euro release clause in the Portuguese shot-stopper’s contract.
However, United are thought to be looking elsewhere this summer first, with the striker and midfield positions the primary areas that Ten Hag would like to strengthen amid links to English pair Harry Kane and Mason Mount.
Now Costa has poured further cold water on any potential deal, claiming that all the speculation surrounding his future exists solely on the internet, and that he would like to continue with the Portuguese giants.
“I love Porto — it’s the club of my life. I would give my life for it”