Manchester United could be in the market for defensive options this summer and may have one eye on developments at Ruben Amorim’s former club.
Manchester United have said goodbye to two central defenders this summer.
Jonny Evans has become United’s loan manager after hanging up his boots at the end of last season.
Victor Lindelof has left United at the end of his contract, bringing an end to eight years at Old Trafford.
Both Evans and Lindelof offered right-footed options for Ruben Amorim, and another right-footed defender may now become a target.
United will focus on attacking additions first, but Amorim and Ineos will also have central defenders in mind for potential moves later in the window.
Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande in action against Braga.
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Crystal Palace stance on Ousmane Diomande
One man Amorim will know well is Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande.
The Ivorian centre-back played under Amorim in Lisbon and would surely be in the mind of the United head coach this summer.
More United News
United are thought to be keen on Diomande and that interest appears to be mutual.
Reports from Portugal in June suggested that Diomande wants to work with Amorim again and would prioritise a move to United over Crystal Palace.
Palace are eyeing Diomande to replace Marc Guehi, who is being targeted by Premier League rivals this summer.
Record now claim that Sporting are sticking to a hefty €60million (£52million) asking price for Diomande.
Palace were informed of that valuation and ‘backed out’, seemingly only able to advance a move once Guehi is sold.
Sporting want to hand Diomande a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2027.
Premier League interest will surely turn Diomande’s head, though, and United figure to be in the mix for his signature.
Door open for Manchester United
Amorim will surely have one eye on Diomande’s situation, with an Old Trafford reunion at least a possibility this summer.
United’s funds will be focused on players in the final third, but a defender could be a prime target if players move on.
Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho are all available, while Alejandro Garnacho has been told to leave United.
United will hope to raise funds for more signings this summer and Amorim may be tempted to spend on Diomande.
Palace’s current refusal to pay the asking price leaves the door open for United, especially with Diomande seemingly keen on a move to Old Trafford.
£52million would still represent a major investment for United, though, and Ineos would surely look to structure a deal in order to ease the immediate burden on the budget.
Diomande, hailed as ‘excellent’ by teammate Jeremiah St Juste whilst speaking to Record, is certainly a name to watch and could be Amorim’s first signing from Sporting since heading to United.