Manchester United have been advised to sign former Chelsea star Diego Costa as the ideal replacement for wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku.
As quoted in Daily Express, Diego Costa’s name has popped up as a suggestion for Manchester United, if they are to replace Romelu Lukaku, who is being heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan. The former Chelsea striker has reportedly been on the radar of Everton recently.
Speaking in his podcast on talkSPORT with guest expert Sam Allardyce, former Manchester United striker Alan Brazil has iterated that the Red Devils would be better served by signing Costa, should Lukaku end up calling it quits at Old Trafford this summer.
Diego Costa has been one of the most potent hitmen over the last half-a-decade or so, having enjoyed productive spells with Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. It was particularly at Chelsea that the qualities of the Spanish international truly came to the fore as he played a pivotal role in both the Premier League titles they won during his time at the club.
But, since rejoining Atletico Madrid from Chelsea, Costa’s career has gone off a cliff, with the 30-year-old missing more games than he has featured in. This past season, Costa started a mere 19 of the 51 games that Los Rojiblancos played, with injuries and disciplinary issues leaving him sidelined for long periods.
With prodigious prospect Joao Felix joining on a big-money deal and Alvaro Morata making his switch from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid a permanent one, Costa could be braced for a reduction in role next season, despite Antoine Griezmann’s move to Barcelona.
As a result, the Spanish international has been linked with a shock summer return to the Premier League, with Everton, West Ham United and Wolves among the reported suitors. But, according to former Manchester United striker Alan Brazil, the Red Devils too should launch the offensive for Costa.
“I think he’d be a fit for Manchester United if they get rid of Lukaku. By all accounts this morning, representatives of Inter Milan are talking to Manchester United. It wouldn’t surprise me if Lukaku was to go, and suddenly there’s a chance of Costa going to Old Trafford.”
Brazil then directed a statement towards Allardyce, saying, “If you were manager of Manchester United, you would not sell him,” to which the former England boss replied, “Lukaku? No. Not unless I was getting Costa. I might say yes to that.”
Inter Milan have been vocal about their interest in Lukaku, with the rumours set to gather more steam following the Belgian’s comments that left his Manchester United future up in the air. With the former Chelsea striker likely to be available, he could perhaps be a solid replacement with his style of play.
But, an alarming drop in form ought to be a concern for Manchester United if they ever consider Costa to be a target. For now, the former Chelsea star remains but a suggestion for the Red Devils and it remains to be seen if they seriously ponder a move for him as advised by Brazil and Allardyce.
