according to filesManchester United are leading the race to sign Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 20-year-old Ivorian defender along with Premier League rivals Arsenal.
However, the fact that Man United have appointed Sporting manager Ruben Amorim to the club in place of Erik ten Hag has given them the edge over the Gunners to make the signing.
The new Man United manager likes to play with a 3-4-3 and is expected to continue that way at Old Trafford.
Although the Premier League giants have depth in the centre-back position, the new manager could still look for a defensive signing.
The Red Devils currently have Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire as the club’s central defensive options.
With Evans, Lindelof and Maguire entering the final year of their contracts at the club and not playing their best football, Amorim could take this opportunity to sign the young Sporting defender and make him part of his project at the club .
According to the report, Man United are targeting a move for Diomande and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
They rejected two bids for the England international in the summer transfer window, but interest in signing him continues and Amorim could enter the market to make a move for Everton’s centre-half.
Ousmane Diomande at Man United?
The young defender has a £67million release clause in his contract with the Portuguese club. Man United would have to dig into their pockets to sign the highly-rated defender.
Arsenal, ChelseaNewcastle United and Manchester City are in the race to sign Diomande, but Amorim’s arrival has given the Red Devils the edge over their rivals to make the signing.
The young defender has shown maturity beyond his years and his ability to play from the back as well as his fast and strong style of play is something that makes him an attractive option.
It is expected that the club will give Amorim the opportunity to make signings according to his plans and style of play and Diomande could be one of the players to arrive at the club under the new management.
So are the Red Devils keen to sign Christopher Nkunku of Premier League rivals Chelsea.
