Manchester United Target £51m Sporting CP Defender Ousmane Diomande

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £51 million bid for Sporting CP center-back Ousmane Diomande as they look to strengthen their defensive options before the January transfer window closes.

The 21-year-old Ivorian defender has been a regular starter for Sporting this season, missing just one league match. He previously worked under Ruben Amorim, who has been heavily linked with the United managerial job.

Diomande could provide both an immediate impact and long-term potential in United’s backline. He has impressed with his aerial ability, winning 72% of his aerial duels this season. The young defender also boasts a 94% pass completion rate, averaging 81 passes per 90 minutes.

If signed, Diomande could form a promising partnership with another United target – Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu. The 20-year-old Dane has caught United’s eye with his attacking contributions from defense.

While the transfer fee for Diomande would be significant, United see him as a player who could solidify their defense now and develop into one of Europe’s top center-backs in the coming years. His signing would continue United’s recent trend of recruiting talent from Sporting CP, following in the footsteps of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo.

As United look to turn around their disappointing season, reinforcing the defense appears to be a priority. The acquisition of a promising young defender like Diomande could be a key step in rebuilding the squad under potential new leadership.