‘Man City to sell Ederson and sign Diogo Costa after massive reveal’
Man City are prepared to sell Ederson this summer to raise money which will be put towards signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa this summer.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that they will only let the 31-year-old leave if his replacement is lined up.
However, Pep Guardiola is determined to ensure they can bring in the right replacement between the sticks given Ederson’s importance since he arrived.
Costa’s ability with the ball at his feet is seen as a key asset for City and at just 25 years old, he could become their starting keeper for the foreseeable future.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Ederson is likely to leave Man City this summer as there is “massive” clamour for his signature in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider in December that City will listen to “big” offers for Ederson as part of a major overhaul of their squad.
Man City to cash in on Ederson as replacement lined up
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider in October that Costa would be ideal for Man City technically, despite concerns about his shot-stopping.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted City want to have a replacement lined up before letting Ederson leave.
“Pep Guardiola wants a very specific type of goalkeeper,” Football Insider.
“They went through three of four international-level goalkeepers before Ederson arrived, because they weren’t able to do what the manager wanted.
“He’s been an instrumental part of what City have been able to do in recent years, even this season.
“So if they’re going to replace Ederson, they want to have the replacement lined up, and they absolutely have to get it right.
“I think he has been looking to move, there’s been a lot of talk about a move to Saudi Arabia.
“So they’ve been looking for who that replacement might be, and the Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is one who has come up in discussions.
“He’s got experience in the Champions League and at a high level, so could make the step up.
“So City’s scouts have been having a look at him to determine if he’s the one they want.
“Then, after they make that decision, they’ll have that one lined up and use the money from selling Ederson to get it done quickly.”
Pep Guardiola eyes Rodri contract renewal after Real Madrid twist
While one City star in Ederson looks set to leave the club, they are now taking measures to ensure another long-serving player does not leave this summer.
Brown told Football Insider on 1 May that City are likely to agree terms with Rodri ahead of the transfer window amid interest from Real Madrid.
The 28-year-old is believed to be happy in Manchester and will not agitate for the move, while Guardiola wants to keep him at the club for the long-term future.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 25 April that Man City will offer Rodri a new deal to deter interest from Los Blancos.
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