It is now reported that new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has personally held talks with an African star over a potential move to Old Trafford.
Earlier this week, Amorim conducted his first training session as United head coach, with many of his new players posting positive messages online about his work.
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The Portuguese manager will also take charge of his first game in England when his side face Kieran McKenna's Ipswich Town away from home on Sunday, 24 November.
Elsewhere, the 39-year-old is expected to begin moulding the team to his needs, a process which is likely to bring in new players and phase out those who no longer have a future at United.
It is being reported that Amorim has indeed started tracking his potential first signing, which is unsurprisingly a player he has worked with before.
According to Sky Sports Switzerland, Amorim has personally held talks with Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande over a switch to the Theatre of Dreams.
The Ivory Coast international is said to have a £68 million (R1.5 billion) release clause in his contract, and United's rivals Manchester City are reportedly also keen on signing the highly sought-after defender.
It is further claimed that Sporting would be willing to accept a lower fee than Diomande's release clause, although it is unclear if they would allow him to leave in January, given that his current club are still pushing for titles.
According to Transfermarkt, Diomande played 69 matches under Amorim at Sporting, contributing four goals and one assist in the process.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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