Manchester United 'leading the race for Porto's Diogo Costa'

Manchester United are reportedly at the head of the queue for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

The 23-year-old came through the youth system at Porto, initially representing their B side before becoming the club's number one stopper for the 2021-22 campaign.

Costa has been in impressive form for his Portuguese club this season, making 13 appearances in all competitions, producing seven clean sheets in the process.

The Portugal international has four years left to run on his contract with the Blue and Whites, but there is believed to be a €60m (£52m) release clause in his current agreement.

A number of clubs have been credited with an interest in the stopper, but according to Diario de Noticias, Man United are leading the race to sign him in 2023.

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The report claims that Costa has 'activated the radars' of a number of leading clubs in European football due to his form over the last year.

David de Gea remains Man United's number one goalkeeper, but there is uncertainty surrounding his long-term future, with the Spaniard's contract due to expire next June.

The 31-year-old recently expressed a desire to sign a new deal at Old Trafford, revealing that he wants to stay with the Red Devils "for more years".

However, Benfica's Odysseas Vlachodimos has been linked with a switch to Manchester as a possible long-term replacement for De Gea.

Costa is also allegedly being considered, with the stopper impressing in Porto's recent Champions League victories over Bayer Leverkusen, providing an assist against the German side last week.

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According to former Porto midfielder Maniche, the Dragons are unlikely to be able to keep hold of Costa for much longer due to the growing interest in his services.

"Diogo Costa is not only at this moment one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, but also in the whole world," he told Diario de Noticias.

"I honestly think that the value of the clause is short for his quality. Look at the example of Kepa [Arrizabalaga], who was sold for €80m (£69.6m), or Alisson [Becker] and [Thibaut] Courtois.

"Currently Diogo Costa is not behind them. Probably, to the dismay of the fans, he won't be at FC Porto for long.

"He has every chance of becoming the most expensive goalkeeper in the world. He is already at the level of the best. As well as the quality between the posts, he's very good at getting out and playing with his feet.

"This is a characteristic of modern goalkeepers that the great coaches appreciate. He has great vision, and, despite his age, he already has great charisma, a great presence between the posts."

Man United will be bidding to make it four straight wins in all competitions when they welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.