Manchester United has shown interest in the talented Ivorian defender

Manchester United has expressed interest in Sporting Lisbon's Ivorian defender, Ousmane Diomande, according to TEAMtalk.

Signing a central defender is a priority for United in the summer transfer window, especially since it is known that Raphael Varane will leave the club. In fact, the only central defender whose future is secure is Lisandro Martinez, although his frequent injuries often make him unavailable.

The "Red Devils" are considering acquiring the Sporting defender after learning about the reduced price for which they can purchase the player this summer. Diomande's contract includes a buyout clause of £68 million, but notably, Manchester United could secure a deal for half that price.

Also on United's shortlist are Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, Gleison Bremer from Juventus, and Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice.

In the past season, the 20-year-old Ivorian defender played 38 matches for Sporting across all competitions, scoring three goals.