Ousmane Diomande: Why United have intensified interest in Sporting defender | OneFootball

Manchester United travelled to Chelsea with just one senior central defender and, impressively, came away with a clean sheet and all three points.

However, Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui’s promising partnership at Stamford Bridge in West London should not be used as an excuse to overlook United’s thin backline during the summer transfer window.

Interestingly, one of their defensive targets has raised the eyebrows of the club’s recruitment team with his performance in North London.

Ousmane Diomande impresses Manchester United

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Manchester United are among the “sharks” starting to circle around Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande. 

According to Portuguese publication A BOLA (via Sport Witness), United most recently watched Diomande against Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Emirates.

It is claimed United have been given fresh encouragement in their pursuit of the Ivorian sensation following a decisive “transfer audition” in England.

The 6’3″ defender delivered a commanding showing in London, impressing with his imposing presence and tactical intelligence. The Portuguese giants kept a clean sheet against Arsenal on Wednesday but could not overturn the goal deficit to progress to the semi-finals.

Interest in Ousmane Diomande intensified

A BOLA claims the reaction to Diomande’s display against Arsenal was immediate, as the Red Devils have now intensified their interest in him.

Newcastle United were also left amazed by his performance, and now the two Premier League clubs are thought to be leading the chase for the Sporting gem.

Diomande has now shown he can deliver in the Champions League against a top English side. It is suggested that this matters for United and Newcastle, who are both exploring the possibility of strengthening their respective defences.

The Ivory Coast international was very close to joining Crystal Palace last summer, but he eventually renewed his contract in Lisbon until 2030, maintaining a release clause of €80 million (£69m).

However, it is believed Sporting are open to considering offers in the region of €50m (£43m) for the 22-year-old.

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