‘Determined’ Amorim demands ‘major coup’ worth £70m, trio ready for exit soon

Ruben Amorim reportedly “wants” to “bring” one of his Sporting Lisbon stars “with him” to Manchester United as part of a possible “major coup”.

Amorim was appointed head coach of Manchester United, replacing former coach Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag was fired on Monday morning after Manchester UnitedA 2-1 defeat at West Ham left them 14th in the Premier League after nine matches.

Amorim, 39, was linked with Liverpool and West Ham in the summer before they appointed Arne Slot and Julen Lopetegui respectively.

Amorim is considered one of Europe’s best young coaches as he helped Sporting Lisbon win the Primeira Liga title twice after they had gone 18 years without winning a league title.

The Portuguese head coach will officially take over at Manchester United on November 11, so his first game will be against Ipswich Town on November 24, after the international break this month.

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Amorim’s arrival could see Manchester United busy in the transfer market in January and next summer. They have already been linked with possible signings and have been tipped to sign one or two players from Sporting Lisbon.

Prolific goalscorer Victor Giokeres has been mentioned as a potential signing, but centre-back Ousmane Diomande is also believed to be on Amorim’s radar.

Speaking after Sporting Lisbon’s 5-1 win over Estrela da Amador on Friday night, Amorim said he would not be signing players from the Primeira Liga leaders in January.

“Gjokeres is worth £100 million. It’s very difficult. I won’t take a single Sporting player in January. But that’s another story,” Amorim said.

“From the fans’ point of view, these are the best years of my life. They know how much they mean to me. This is not goodbye, we have to play against Manchester City and Braga. So no goodbyes yet.

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Despite this, the report Sun claims Amorim “wants” to sign Diomande as he is “determined to implement a back three system in the Premier League”.

Diomande’s contract includes a £70 million release clause. Arsenal were linked with him in the summer. Regarding the three possible exits, the report adds.

“It has served him well in Portugal and he believes it will help him succeed at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have three top-class centre-back options to ensure Amorim can implement his preferred three-man back line once Leni Yoro returns to fitness.

“The centre-back trio of Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez provides balance in defence.

“But United lack quality options in the reserves and Harry Maguire is unlikely to remain at the club for long. Victor Lindelof has long been linked with an exit and 36-year-old Jonny Evans won’t be around forever.

“With this in mind, Amorim is keen to bring Ousmane Diomande from Sporting to the club. Signing one of Europe’s most sought-after young defenders would be a huge coup for United.

“He was previously pursued by Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as Bayern Munich. “Sporting will only be willing to sell Diomande if the club activates his £70 million release clause.”