Manchester United are reportedly interested in Diego Godin and have made an approach to Atletico Madrid to enquire about the availability of the Uruguayan.
Manchester United’s frustrations over the lack of addition to the centre-back options seems to have led them back to an old target. According to Sky Sports, The Red Devils have reignited their interest in Atletico Madrid veteran Diego Godin and have already made an approach in order to explore the possibility of landing the Uruguayan.
Manchester United seems to have withdrawn their interest in Toby Alderweireld. The Red Devils tabled a take-it-or-leave-it £40 million offer to Tottenham. And despite reports of personal terms being agreed between the club and the player, it seems Daniel Levy has decided not to accept the offer.
With Jerome Boateng also deciding to stay put, Manchester United are now pursuing a deadline-day move for Diego Godin, who was one of the names thrown around at Old Trafford in the past couple of seasons. The name fits the bill as Jose Mourinho is looking to add a leader at the back.
BREAKING: Sky sources: @ManUtd approach@atletienglish over possible signing of @diegogodin. #SSN pic.twitter.com/Sz7egaVLje
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 9, 2018
Diego Godin joined Atletico Madrid from Celta Vigo in 2010. Since then, the Uruguayan has grown into the setup at the club, becoming one of the pillars of the squad. One of the first names on the team sheet when fit, Godin resembles the grit and determination that Atletico Madrid are renowned for.
7 trophies in 350 appearances for the club over the span of eight years has seen Godin become an endearing figure for the Atletico Madrid fans. The player is now an icon for the club, which marginalises the possibility of him leaving for Manchester United.
Furthermore, there isn’t much time left in the English transfer window to shut. Manchester United are desperate after facing rejection in their pursuit of Jerome Boateng and Toby Alderweireld. Harry Maguire is a name that could be considered. But, Manchester United seem unprepared to pay the lofty asking price slapped on him by Leicester City.
One thing that could tempt Atletico Madrid into offloading their icon is the fact that Diego Godin is already 32. If they can rake in a handsome fee for the Uruguayan, that can be invested into other areas, especially with the club having the likes of Jose Gimenez, Lucas Hernandez and Stefan Savic at their disposal.
With a dejected Manchester United now desperate to add to their central defensive options, we could see the Red Devils pay the big bucks for Diego Godin. A transfer though, solely depends on Atletico Madrid and their willingness to part ways with Godin.
For the 32-year-old is not just an icon but also a resemblance and contributor to the rise of Atletico Madrid in European football. The fans worship Godin and Atletico will have to gauge the backlash they could face from their fanbase.
A deal that is highly unlikely and it looks like Manchester United are beginning to clutch at straws.
