Manchester United have joined the likes of Chelsea and AS Monaco in a race to sign in-demand striker of Atletico Madrid, Diego Costa
Spanish daily AS has run a front page story claiming that it’s not only Chelsea who want to sign Diego Costa.Ai??Manchester United are also in a race for Atletico striker and is willing to outbid their London counterparts.
Costa has been linked with a move to the Blues all season, andAi??in the last week, it was reported that the club is in prime position to sign the highly rated forward in a A?40 million deal. However, the entry of United in the race is expected to change the value of the deal, regardless of the club who will be getting the Spaniard eventually.
The player has scored an incredible 31 goals in his 34 appearances for his club in the league and Europe this year. On the other hand, none of Chelsea’s forwards has managed double figures in the Premier League this season with Eden Hazard their top scorer with 14 goals. Manchester United are also in the market for a striker with the future of Robin van Persie in serious doubt. Other strikers of United, namely, Welback and Javier Hernandez are also in talks with other clubs fort their respective transfers.
Chelsea have a decision to make over the futures of Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba at the end of the season, but Costa will be first choice if Chelsea land him.Ai??With the exception of Didier Drogba, Chelsea’s record of signing strikers has not been good over the years.Ai??Hernan Crespo, Adrian Mutu, Mateja Kezman, Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres have all been brought in during the Roman Abramovich era.
They are desperate for one of the trio to succeed and are convinced that Costa’s goal scoring instincts will benefit the team in their second season under Mourinho. It is also being reported that Jose Mourinho will look to cover a large portion of the rumoured A?40m valuation of the player with the offer of three Blues players.
Meanwhile, recent reports have claimed that United have transfer budget of 200 million pounds for the summer and finance would not be concern for Old Trafford if they decide to enter a bidding war against the likes of Chelsea or Monaco.
The Brazilian-born striker is also expected to be named in Spain’s World Cup squad after becoming a naturalised citizen. He made his debut for Spain on March 5 in a friendly against Italy.
THT Verdict:
Costa is one of the most prolific striker in Europe at the moment and it is but natural that almost all the top clubs of continent being linked with him. However, it is still bit early to predict the future of this talented Spaniard.
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