Manchester United have joined suitors in the race for Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande and he can be landed for less than £68 million, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo.
The Ivory Coast international has been linked with a move to the Premier League ahead of the summer transfer window, and the Red Devils will have to battle with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United for his services.
Sporting are willing to sell Diomande slightly lower than his £68m release clause and are already planning for life without him, which comes as a boost for Man United as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of next season.
French centre-back Raphael Varane has left the Old Trafford club following the expiration of his contract, while Jonny Evans could be next in the line to depart.
The future of former captain Harry Maguire at the club is far from certain, and manager Erik ten Hag or whoever is in charge going forward will be keen to bring in one or two quality defenders.
Man United have already been linked with Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah, but Diomande could prove to be an upgrade on the Englishman.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants the club to deploy a recruitment model based on bringing in five new players under the age of 25 this summer, and the 20-year-old Sporting star fits the bill.
He boasts huge quality and experience despite his age, featuring in 34 games across all competitions this term and weighing in with three goals and an assist.
Diomande is also an excellent tackler who is comfortable in possession due to his excellent passing range, and landing him could be huge for Man United.
They need to start getting their recruitment right following several transfer windows of making underwhelming signings and snapping up the Ivorian could be a step in the right direction.
