Manchester United dealt blow in Diogo Costa pursuit?

The 23-year-old has recently emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils amid uncertainty over the long-term future of current number one David de Gea.

De Gea, who made his 500th club appearance last weekend, joined United back in 2011 but his current contract is due to expire next summer.

A recent report claims that the Red Devils are only prepared to activate the 31-year-old's contract extension if they fail to sign a suitable replacement in the New Year.

Porto stopper Costa is believed to be high on United's list of targets and they are allegedly at the front of the queue for his signature.

Costa made his senior debut for Porto in September 2019 but he had to wait until the beginning of last season to establish himself as the club's number one goalkeeper.

The seven-cap Portugal international has made a bright start to the 2022-23 campaign, keeping seven clean sheets in 13 games across all competitions.

Costa still has four years remaining on his contract, which is understood to include a €60m (£52.2m) release clause.

However, in a bid to fend off competition from the likes of Man United, O Jogo reports that Porto are keen to tie down the goalkeeper to a new contract and intend to increase his release clause.

The report adds that Costa may decide against renewing his current deal if he chooses to push through a move to Old Trafford.

Costa is regarded as one of the brightest goalkeeping prospects in Europe and former Porto and Portugal midfielder Maniche believes the young stopper is destined for a big-money move in the future.

"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, via Sports Witness. "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, or Alisson 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."

Maniche added: "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."

Costa is set to battle with Rui Patricio for the number one jersey at international level with Portugal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar next month.