Manchester United target's contract stalemate boosts Amorim's hopes of big transfer heist: Report

Ruben Amorim’s defence could get a big boost next summer as a top target of Manchester United is reportedly resisting to sign a new contract with his current club.

Amorim favours a 3-4-3 formation with three central defenders playing their parts in defence. The tactics have received mixed response from critics but the recent results for the Red Devils do show that something is working.

United are currently seventh in the Premier League with only one loss in last seven matches. In their most recent outing, they defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 away.

Ousmane Diomande ‘resisting’ contract extension

Highly rated young defender Ousmane Diomande has been linked to some Premier League clubs and United have been one of them. Crystal Palace, Newcastle and a few other clubs in the English league are said to be in the race. His chances of arrival in England could just have risen with recent reports stating that he is not willing to sign a new contract at Portugal’s Sporting CP.

According to a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola, Diomande is “resisting” talks over a new deal with Sporting CP. The report also states that with only 18 months remaining on the contract of Ivorian centre-half Diomande, they might be forced to sell him soon if they want maximum value from the deal.

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Sporting want to extend Diomande’s contract till 2030 but the player’s unwillingness means the proceedings are currently stalled.

A Bola reports that Diomande’s is earning around €15,000 ($17,500) per week before tax right now and even though Sporting are willing to double that amount as part of their new contract, a deal in the Premier League would be more lucrative.

Earlier in the summer, Diomande had been approached by Crystal Palace but that deal could not go through as the player’s release clause was higher than the amount pushed forward by Palace.