Man United get two major transfer boosts as ‘£26m deal agreed’ and boss ‘demands signing’

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United have been given a pair of transfer boosts that could enable an £86million flop to be offloaded and a new goalkeeper to make a switch to Old Trafford

Manchester United have been buoyed in their pursuit of Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, while the sale of £86million flop Antony has also received a boost.

Ruben Amorim’s side have already sealed a deal for Wolves talisman Matheus Cunha this transfer window, setting them back £62.5m. And there could yet be more incomings at Old Trafford.

After another up-and-down season from No. 1 Andre Onana, purchasing a new shot-stopper is on the Red Devils’ agenda. One name that has emerged as a potential recruit is 25-year-old Portugal international Costa.

The Porto star looks likely to depart his homeland this window. New developments suggest that his side are targeting a new goalkeeper themselves, bolstering United’s hopes of snapping him up.

Real Betis also look primed to secure a significant windfall, potentially reinforcing their chances of being able to afford United flop Antony, and a medical has been booked regarding Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona switch as the Manchester Evening News look at transfer market moves that could benefit the Red Devils.

Porto’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper may see Diogo Costa exit

Amorim’s search for a new No. 1 could come to an end this summer should a deal be struck for Porto ace Costa. A Bola reports that Costa will leave the Portuguese giants this summer in search of a ‘new challenge.’

It is also suggested that he ‘dreams’ of playing in England, and both United, as well as rivals Manchester City, are interested in his services. Costa has a £64m exit clause in his contract.

A replacement for Costa had now been lined up by his current side, as TV Azteca report that Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper, Kevin Mier, is on Porto’s shortlist and has been prioritised by club president Andre Villas-Boas. It is also alleged that Porto manager Martin Anselmi is familiar with the player and has personally recommended his signing.

While it is suggested that the Portuguese side will face stiff competition for Colombian Mier from Galatasaray, if they snap him up, Costa’s exit could soon follow.

Real Betis sale could pave the way for Antony’s departure

Real Betis look set to secure a £26m windfall with midfielder Johnny Cardoso on the verge of joining La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid. This cash injection could enable Antony to leave Old Trafford permanently.

The Brazilian winger, who arrived under Erik ten Hag in 2022 for a staggering £86m, never lived up to his price tag in Manchester and was shuffled out on loan to the Spanish side in January.

Antony looked a player revitalised with in Spain, scoring nine goals and registering five assists, while aiding their journey to the Europa Conference League final, where they were beaten by Chelsea.

With Cardoso almost out the exit door, it remains to be seen whether the £26m gained will be spent on bringing Antony back to the club permanently. Reports suggest a fee of £25m would be enough to do so.

Barcelona medical gives Marcus Rashford hope

With Rashford’s future now increasingly likely to be away from Old Trafford, one club who have been linked with signing the star who spent last year on loan with Aston Villa is Barcelona.

According to talkSPORT, the La Liga side could approach Rashford this summer, despite their intentions to sign Euro 2024 hero Nico Williams, and a impending departure could add fuel to such fire.

Young 22-year-old Barcelona winger Ansu Fati, who previously spent time with Brighton, is on the verge of joining French outfit AS Monaco on a loan move.

As per Fabrizio Romano, a medical has reportedly been booked. Fati’s departure could theoretically free up a gap in the squad – and the wages – to bring Rashford in.