Manchester United leading the race to land Champions League ‘keeper

Manchester United host Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Erik ten Hag’s side hoping to make it six wins in their last seven games in the Premier League. 

The Red Devils have beaten Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester, Arsenal and Everton, with Manchester City the only side to get the better of them during that run.

One player that has played a huge part in United’s change of fortunes is David de Gea.

The Spanish goalkeeper has kept four clean sheets in United’s last eight games across all competitions, following a disastrous start to the campaign.

The ex-Atletico Madrid man was at fault for two of Brentford’s goals when The Bees thrashed United 4-0 in August, but he has since looked to be getting back to his best form.

Despite this, it appears that those in charge of the club are already searching for his replacement.

As reported by Diario de Noticias via SportWitness,  The Red Devils are looking to sign Porto ‘keeper Diogo Costa.

United are searching for De Gea’s replacement

The report claims that United are ‘at the head’ of the race to land the 23-year-old, who has been in sensational form for Porto this season.

The Portuguese has seven clean sheets in 13 games across all competitions, including in each of Porto’s last two Champions League matches.

It is claimed that the player’s performances have alerted some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with United currently leading the race to land him.

The Red Devils are on the lookout for a long-term replacement for 31-year-old De Gea, who has already spent more than a decade at Old Trafford.

The Spanish international has less than a year remaining on his current deal, although United do have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

Costa, who provided an assist and saved a penalty during Porto’s 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, made his debut in 2019 having progressed from the club’s academy.

He has since made more than 80 appearances, and was given his international debut for Portugal last October.

United signed Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle United over the summer, with Dean Henderson having joined Nottingham Forest on a season-long deal.