Man Utd ready to break transfer record to sign World Cup star after Gakpo disappointment

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a bid to sign Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa - which could break the record transfer fee for a goalkeeper in the process.

The current record belongs to Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the Blues paying a fee of £71 million to sign him from Athletic Bilbao in 2019.

United do have a dilemma in the goalkeeping department, with David de Gea out of contract in the summer. Furthermore, Dean Henderson is on loan at Nottingham Forest, while Martin Dubravka is likely to return to Newcastle at the end of the season following the expiry of his loan deal.

The other senior option is Tom Heaton, but the 36-year-old hasn't made a Premier League appearance since New Year's Day 2020.

United boss Erik ten Hag has been focused on improving De Gea's distribution this season, and praised the shot-stopper in November: "On the feet, for me, he has the capabilities as well. I think when you see this season, he is progressing from game to game on that part."

But it appears United are searching for competition for the Spaniard in the upcoming windows.

Man Utd keen on Diogo Costa

According to Spanish publication AS, the Red Devils are preparing a bid to sign Portugal international Diogo Costa, and the fee could break the transfer record for a goalkeeper.

Furthermore, the same outlet claims that United do want to keep De Gea at Old Trafford, but want the 32-year-old to sign a new deal that reduces his reported £350,000-a-week wages.

De Gea is currently the last senior United player that played for the club under Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired in 2013.

The former Atletico Madrid starlet has been in Manchester since 2011, with any departure ending a 12-year association with United.

Costa, meanwhile, played every game for Portugal at the World Cup and, as well as his shot-stopping abilities, is also confident at coming off his line to claim crosses and is excellent with the ball at his feet.

However, this may be a deal that happens in the summer, with the Daily Mail claiming that United are only looking to complete loan transfers in January - which is said to be a key reason why their pursuit of Cody Gakpo ultimately failed.