As reported by Caught Offside, [Man United are now plotting a move to sign Costa](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2026/09/28/sources-man-united-arsenal-assess-move-right-back/) from Porto in the January transfer window. Any interest in the 22-year-old is still at the scouting stage, but the Red Devils already have competition in pursuit of his signature.

Alongside United, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are also interested in Costa. The latter, however, may well have their full focus on appealing their reported guilty verdict regarding the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League.

That would leave Man United, Arsenal and PSG. Negotiations shouldn't be too complex, either. Costa reportedly has a release clause worth €65m (£56m) in his current Porto contract and that will allow interested parties to bypass club negotiations. That's where the fact that he shares an agent with Bruno Fernandes could come in handy for United.

Dubbed "fantastic" by former coach [Álvaro Pacheco](https://www.abola.pt/noticias/alberto-costa-na-selecao-ele-tem-nocao-de-que-esse-dia-vai-chegar-2025090516443537197), Costa's attacking expertise is clear for all to see. The Porto star is a better crosser of the ball than Dalot and creates more chances. If Man Utd are to unlock their best form under Carrick again, then the £56m man would be a good place to start in January.

Man Utd's big plot to sign £56m Dalot replacement and why they're the favorites