Chelsea ‘using Jorge Mendes to snatch Man Utd target’ for Mauricio Pochettino

Reports in Portugal suggest Chelsea are actively working with Jorge Mendes to pull off the signing of Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa following hesitance from Manchester United. Erik ten Hag’s side have been tracking the Portugal international closely but their gruelling search for David de Gea’s potential replacement is continuing to rumble on as Inter Milan play hardball over Andre Onana.

Towards the back end of the 2023/24 season, United had looked set to pursue the signing of Costa, who is highly rated around Europe following his eye-catching rise to prominence with Porto.

Costa’s performances were monitored closely at the World Cup in Qatar ahead of a potential transfer swoop but United are now believed to be focused on landing Onana.

Meanwhile, Portuguese newspaper A Bola are reporting that Chelsea are ready to profit as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping department following Edouard Mendy’s move to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia.

While Kepa Arrizabalaga looks set to be handed the chance to remain as No.1 under Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine tactician is seemingly eyeing competition for the Spaniard.

It’s claimed the Blues now have super-agent Mendes working on the deal with Porto open to the prospect of a sale to bolster their summer finances.

Porto were open to the prospect of selling before June 30 as the transaction would have helped them balance their financial records as they continue to work in compliance with FFP regulations.

Nonetheless, no club stepped forward to sign Costa but there now appears to be movement on that front as Chelsea prepare to formalise their interest.

Chelsea had also looked at United target Onana but have since cooled their interest in the Cameroon international over Inter’s asking price.

United have also looked at Brentford’s David Raya but they’re unwilling to match the Bees’ £40million valuation.

Costa recently reaffirmed his commitment to Porto stating he would be more than happy to remain with the Portuguese giants.

He said on rumours linking him with a summer transfer: “That’s the internet. It is a happiness and an honour to play for my favourite club. What they say is what they say, there is nothing concrete, I have a contract until 2027 and I hope to continue, let’s see.”

Ten Hag is yet to resolve the future of current goalkeeper De Gea who is now technically a free agent having failed to finalise an agreement over a new contract.

The Spaniard could yet remain with the club but he does also have strong interest from Saudi Arabia where big cash is on the table.

Dean Henderson remains likely to move on and United are thought to be prioritising the signing of a new goalkeeper over the arrival of a striker at this moment in time.

Unlike United, Chelsea are not short of cash having already raised over £200m in sales this summer.

A further 10 players could yet be heading for the exit door at Stamford Bridge meaning a host of new signings are still expected before the transfer deadline shuts on September 1.