Ruben Amorim holds transfer talks as defender 'leaning towards' Man United transfer

Sporting Clube de Portugal star Ousmane Diomande has reportedly spoken to Ruben Amorim about the possibility of joining Manchester United.

That's according to Sky in Switzerland who claim the 20-year-old is 'growing increasingly keen' on the potential prospect of reuniting with Amorim at Old Trafford. Diomande has quickly earned the reputation as one of the most promising young defenders in Portugal since joining Sporting in 2023.

The report also mentions he is set to be 'one of the attractions' for the next two transfer windows as United, Manchester City and Arsenal are claimed to be 'battling' for his signature. City, however, are thought to have had Diomande 'firmly' on their radar since his days at former club Midtjylland.

READ MORE: Joshua Zirkzee Man United transfer latest: Italy return, January exit, Viktor Gyokeres impact

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim faces key three-game run that could define Manchester United season

Meanwhile, City's incoming director of football Hugo Viana is thought to have 'already prepared' a plan to convince Sporting president Frederico Varandas over parting ways with the Ivory Coast international. That's where Amorim comes in, with the report stating the Portuguese boss has already spoken to the centre-back.

It's claimed the player is aware that continuing his development under Amorim 'would be beneficial' and is reportedly 'leaning towards' a move to United. Diomande is reported to have a £66million (€80m) release clause in his contract which expires in the summer of 2027.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid remain confident they will beat United to the signature of Alphonso Davies. The Canada international is coming to the end of his contract in the summer and will, therefore, be able to negotiate a pre-contract with clubs abroad from the new year.

One of the clubs interested in his signature is Real with Football Espana stating the Spanish giants are 'favourites' and are 'confident' on securing his services from next summer onwards. Carlo Ancelotti, who currently has Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia as left-back options, is expected to lose one of the two at the end of the season, though it's said it cannot be ruled out that both end up moving on.