Manchester United trying to hijack move for Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande
Man City manager Pep Guardiola has identified the 20-year-old as a key addition to strengthen his defence
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly reached out to Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande in an effort to persuade him to join the Red Devils ahead of fellow suitors, Manchester City.
Amorim, who took charge at Old Trafford during the November international break, has already confirmed that he will not attempt to sign any of his former players in January.
However, he is expected to target several of his past stars at the end of the season.
While striker Viktor Gyokeres has garnered the most attention, it is Diomande who has now emerged as a priority target for Amorim, according to Sky Sport Switzerland.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola has identified the 20-year-old as a key addition to strengthen his defence, and Hugo Viana, the incoming sporting director at Manchester City, is reportedly already working on bringing Diomande to the Etihad from Sporting in the summer.
Aware of the competition, Amorim is said to have personally contacted Ousmane Diomande to discuss the possibility of a transfer to the red half of Manchester.
The Ivorian international is reportedly appreciative of the role Amorim has played in his development and is understood to be leaning toward a reunion with the coach at United.
While Man City are expected to renew their efforts in January, with the hope of closing the deal, Man United are hoping the defender will hold off on making a decision and wait until the summer to consider his future at Sporting.
In addition, Amorim is also said to be keeping an eye on young winger Geovany Quenda, although his €100million (£83million) release clause could complicate matters for Man United.
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