Aston Villa are pushing to sign FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as talks advance in the final days of the summer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Villa manager Unai Emery is preparing for the possible exit of Emiliano Martinez with Manchester United now moving to revive their interest in the Argentina international.
“Manchester United now leaning towards Dibu Martinez! MUFC gone quiet since last night about Senne Lammens and it’s working to get Dibu deal done,” Tavolieri wrote on X on August 21.
“On the other hand, Diogo Costa from FC Porto’s in advanced talks with Aston Villa FC in order to replace him. #AVFC”
Costa has been one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Europe. Rothrist born made debut for Porto in September 2019 and has since won two Primeira Liga titles, in 2020 and 2022.
He has also lifted four Portuguese Cups, three of them in consecutive years from 2022 to 2024.
This season, Costa has started strongly, keeping three clean sheets in four league games as Porto sit top of the table with four straight victories.
He also stood out in June when Portugal won the Nations League, saving in the penalty shootout against Spain to seal a 5-3 win after a 2-2 draw in Munich.
Man United are weighing a double digit move for Martinez
Reportedly, Manchester United are considering a £40m [$54m] bid for the Aston Villa goalkeeper.
European transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported that Manchester United reopened talks over the weekend with Aston Villa and Emiliano Martinez’s representatives.
According to The Athletic, Martinez has been keen to leave Villa and his camp have been in contact with United since January.
Reports also suggest the World Cup winner is unlikely to feature against Crystal Palace on August 31.
United had previously explored Diogo Costa as an option and even saw a loan bid for Martinez rejected in July.