Amorim wants Man United to sign the Sporting star

New Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim wants the Red Devils to sign Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande, according to the Sun.

The 39-year-old was announced as the permanent successor to Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday, and will join the Old Trafford club on November 11.

Amorim is expected to stick to his preferred 3-4-3 formation at Man United. Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez fit the system perfectly, but the Portuguese wants to take Diomande with him from Sporting.

The 20-year-old has established himself as one of the Primeira Liga's best defenders and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly a big admirer.

Diomande would be perfect for Man United but Sporting will only sell him if his £70m release clause is activated, which could be a problem for the club.

They spent £52m on Yoro in the summer and also splashed out heavily, signing both De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich to bolster their defence.

Man United need a strong centre-back as Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans could all be on the way out at the end of the season.

While Diomande would be a solid addition, signing a young player who has not yet proven himself in the Premier League for £70m will be the last thing Man United want to do.

The Red Devils are careful to comply with profitability and sustainability rules and cannot afford to spend money in January and/or next summer.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have already been linked with the Sporting youngster.

He is expected to leave sooner or later, but reuniting with Amorim could prove difficult if the asking price is not lowered.