FC Porto is reportedly considering selling goalkeeper Diogo Costa as the club's financial situation worsens. This has put Manchester United and Chelsea on high alert, with both Premier League clubs having expressed interest in the 23-year-old.
Costa recently signed a new deal that increased his release clause to approximately £65 million due to his emergence as a star in recent seasons. Initially, it was anticipated that Porto would wait until the release clause of the Portuguese goalie was activated before selling him, considering the growing interest from numerous European powerhouses. Nevertheless, behind-the-scenes issues have created an opening for interested parties to sign the player at a reduced cost.
According to various reports from Portugal, head coach Sergio Conceicao has threatened to leave the club because the upcoming months could be unpleasant. After 25 games this season, the defending champions of the Primeira Liga are ten points behind rivals and runaway leaders Benfica, and Conceicao believes that his squad needs investment to improve. The manager's stance subsequently caused club president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa to react aggressively, and the two are now said to be at odds.
Still, this summer, new players are expected to be recruited in order to aid their bid to challenge in all competitions next season. However, before any signings can be completed, the club must first collect €50 million through the sale of current players. At the moment, Costa is Porto's most marketable player, commanding the largest transfer fee and attracting the greatest interest from potential suitors. On the back of this development, 90min has reported that the 23-year-old could be on his way out of the club this summer.
This season, Manchester United has dispatched scouts to observe the player on numerous occasions, the most recent being last week's Champions League Round of 16 match at Stadium do Dragao between Porto and Inter Milan. The Red Devils apparently view the Portuguese keeper as David de Gea's long-term successor, while they are also interested in Brentford's David Raya. Chelsea is also interested in replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga and Eduoard Mendy with a new keeper and could make a move for the Portuguese No. 1.
Meanwhile, Conceicao is also at risk of losing several first-team players, including former Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic, who is garnering interest from clubs throughout Europe, and striker Evanilson, who is on the radar of numerous clubs, including Manchester United.
