'Huge coup' - Man United tipped to miss out on dream £67m signing to surprise Premier League rivals


Man United have already strengthened heavily in attack so far this summer, but they are also looking to improve in defence.
Ruben Amorim lost both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, who’s contracts expired at the end of the season. United decided against renewing either deal, meaning that they will need to find replacements. Furthermore, injury concerns to the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw mean that Amorim may be desperate to add more depth at the back. He has been linked with signing one of his former players.
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Hide AdMan United tipped to miss out on Ousmane Diomande
One name that the Red Devils have been linked to is Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, who played under Amorim whilst the United boss was at the Portuguese club before he moved to Old Trafford. Diomande, 21, is a huge talent. He made 46 appearances for Sporting last season, scoring two goals and providing one assist. He is expected to command a transfer fee of around £67m, which is Sporting’s asking price according to Caught Offside.
He has generated Premier League interest from the likes of Arsenal, Man United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. Former PL scout Mick Brown believes that there is one club he thinks will be able to land the defender. Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Crystal Palace are confident they can sign these big-name players. If they believe the player is the type they want to add to their squad, they have no reason not to believe they can get it done.
“If they’re going to lose Guehi, they think Diomande would be an ideal replacement. I’ve heard his name mentioned with the likes of Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and he’s clearly a very talented player with a lot of ability.”
“Palace scouts have been watching him both in the league and in Europe and they’ve been impressed. If they can convince him to make the move, especially with European football now, it will be seen as a huge coup for them. But as I say, they’re confident and have no reason to believe they can’t bring him in.”
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Hide AdIf Palace are able to land the 21-year-old, then Man United will need to look at other centre-back targets this summer to replace Lindelof and Evans.
Man United could sign Bayern Munich defender Min-Jae Kim instead
If they fail to land Diomande, United could instead decide to move for Bayern Munich defender Min-Jae Kim, who has been ‘offered’ to Premier League clubs according to recent reports.
Kim cost Bayern £51m in 2023; however, his value has decreased slightly, meaning that Man United could get him for much less than they would have spent on Diomande. The South Korean defender made 43 appearances last season for Bayern, scoring three goals and helping the German side to the Bundesliga title.
He has also been linked to Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle this summer. United could instead make him a priority if they feel that they are unable to bring Diomande to Old Trafford this summer.
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