Man Utd have obvious transfer staring them in the face as £17m offer made

Manchester United have been given a hint that Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa could be available for a cut-price fee. The Red Devils have a goalkeeping issue to address after Ruben Amorim dropped Andre Onana for Altay Bayindir in the team’s opening defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

United showed signs of improvement against the Gunners at Old Trafford, with much of the home fans’ excitement centred around seeing their new attacking signings make their league debuts. However, Amorim’s side came away without a share of the points after a mistake from Bayindir gifted Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori the winning goal.

United have been linked with moves for PSG ’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez during the transfer window. However, Porto shot-stopper Costa could be the man to solve United’s problem position after being the subject of a surprising transfer bid.

READ MORE: Man Utd dealt Rasmus Hojlund transfer blow as £40m striker deal falls through

READ MORE: Chelsea set Nicolas Jackson price tag with multiple transfers still on the cards

Sky Germany reports that Galatasaray have submitted a £17million bid for Costa, which is expected to be rejected by Porto. It is claimed that the Turkish side view the Portugal number one as an alternative target as they continue to pursue a deal for Manchester City star Ederson. The club's focus on Costa and initial offer suggests they think they could sign the keeper for a relatively low fee.

Costa, 25, has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, having reportedly been among the options to succeed David De Gea at United before Onana joined the club in 2023. The goalkeeper is said to have a £63m buy-out clause in his contract, which has two years remaining.

While Galatasaray’s offer will likely not be accepted, it shows that Costa could be available at a bargain price - and much cheaper than what United have been previously quoted for him - considering his pedigree. This could also present a simple solution for United, given City are reportedly rivalling the Red Devils for Donnarumma’s signature.

It seems that Amorim does not have complete faith in Onana after leaving the former Ajax and Inter Milan star out of United’s matchday squad at the weekend. When asked if Onana’s omission was due to fitness concerns, Amorim said: "No (he is not injured), he’s recovered but the other guys did so well during pre-season, so I need to balance that.”

Bayindir took his place in goal for United but did little to stake his claim for being the team’s long-term number one. The 27-year-old has made just 12 appearances for United since arriving from Fenerbahce two years ago. His actions leading up to Arsenal’s winning goal were criticised by club icon Roy Keane.

“Credit to Arsenal – they vary the delivery; they’re attacking it. But if you’re the goalkeeper, take control of the six-yard box,” Keane said on Sky Sports. “Keepers and defenders complain all the time about people getting in their face.

“You get in their face. Be aggressive. I've said it many times for a goalkeeper - come with violence. Take control of it. Far too easy. It’s like schoolboy stuff. Man United - weak and soft."

Keane’s ex-team-mate, Gary Neville, echoed the thoughts of the former United captain. The pundit explained that he was in favour of United targeting either Donnarumma or Martinez due to their presence and personality, aspects he feels are lacking in the club’s current goalkeeper options.

"The reason I think they would be good goalkeepers for Man Utd is not necessarily because they are the best goalkeepers in Europe, but they are big personalities and characters,” he said on .

"You've seen Donnarumma in a European final save those penalties for Italy. He looked like a giant. He's played for PSG in huge games under pressure. Martinez has played in the World Cup final and won it for Argentina.

"They have played under extreme pressure and they almost walk out with that arrogance and dominance of a goalkeeper - Man United need that.”

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.