Defensive prodigy holds transfer talks with Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim as he snubs Manchester City move: Reports

By Abel Yisa

Modified Nov 20, 2024 11:37 GMT

Manchester United and Manchester City are looking to sign a new center-back

Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande prefers a move to Manchester United over their rivals Manchester City, according to a report by UtdDistrict. It was also reported that Diomande had spoken to Ruben Amorim over a possible 2025 summer move to Old Trafford.

Diomande believes a move to United would be more profitable for his development rather than a move to City. The 20-year-old has been reportedly targeted by Manchester City, who are looking to bolster their squad next summer.

However, it looks like the Red Devils are currently leading the race for the center-back. Diomande could prefer United as he has previously worked with Ruben Amorim at Sporting.

The Ivory Coast international has been a regular in Sporting's starting XIs in the ongoing season, having made 14 appearances across all competitions so far. In terms of his unique attributes, he is a fast-paced defender and his ball-winning proficiency is commendable.

Diomande could also be seen as a long-term replacement for Victor Lindelof. The Swedish defender has been linked with an Old Trafford exit. He is currently contracted at Sporting until June 2027.

Manchester United are looking to part ways with Christian Eriksen next summer - Reports

Manchester United v PAOK FC - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 - Source: Getty

The Red Devils could allow Christian Eriksen to leave as a free agent at the end of the season, according to Fabrizio Romano (via Transfer News Live).

Eriksen joined Manchester United from Brentford in July 2022 and his contract at Old Trafford is set to expire next summer. The Red Devils are reportedly not planning to extend his contract.

In the 2024-25 campaign, he has netted four goals and registered three assists in 13 appearances.

About the author

Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava