Manchester United and Newcastle United have emerged as the front-runners to sign Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande, with the Portuguese club prepared to accept a fee of approximately €50 million (£43 million). According to the Mirror and The Hard Tackle, Sporting are willing to negotiate a significant reduction on the 20-year-old’s €80 million release clause following his impressive display against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals. United’s move for the Ivorian comes as interim manager Michael Carrick looks to reshape a backline depleted by long-term injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, while Newcastle view Diomande as a priority to bolster their defensive depth ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Defensive reshuffle under Michael Carrick
The pursuit of Diomande signals a shift in Manchester United's recruitment strategy under Michael Carrick, who has temporarily succeeded Ruben Amorim. While Amorim favoured a 3-4-2-1 system, Carrick’s return to a traditional back four has heighted the need for pace and recovery at the heart of the defence. Manchester Evening News reports that United have cooled their interest in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande to focus financial resources on the backline and central midfield. This tactical pivot is reinforced by the club's scouting presence at the Emirates on 19 April, where Diomande’s physical presence and ball progression were noted as ideal fits for the Premier League. The potential €50 million outlay represents significant value compared to the £80 million United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, particularly as Diomande has two years remaining on his current deal.
Pressure at Tottenham fuels Van de Ven interest
United’s interest in Diomande sits alongside reported competition for Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven. Football365 reports that the Dutch defender’s camp has informed Spurs of his desire to leave this summer as the North London club faces a historic relegation battle. While Liverpool are understood to be Van de Ven’s preferred destination, United remain in the conversation as they seek to replace outgoing squad members. The market for high-ceiling defenders is tightening; Brighton recently withdrew a €35 million bid for FC Köln’s Said El Mala after the German side demanded €50 million, underlining the premium now placed on young, versatile talent. With Carrick likely to be handed the permanent role—a move Joe Cole described as "secured" when speaking to the Mirror—securing a long-term partner for a fit-again Martinez is the primary objective for the summer window.
Negotiations between United and Sporting are expected to accelerate once the Premier League season concludes and Carrick's permanent status is clarified.