Manchester United fullback Diogo Dalot says he doesn’t know whether Porto’s Diogo Costa will be his teammate next season but he firmly believes he can become one of the world’s best goalkeepers.

Reports earlier this week had suggested that the Red Devils had revived their interest in the Portuguese international and, asked about the keeper, Dalot said he rates him very highly:

“I grew up with him, he is my friend, there is a great relationship between us and I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be a world reference. I don’t know if he will be at Manchester United or another big club in Europe. He demonstrates at FC Porto that he is a differential goalkeeper and has helped the club a lot. If it continues there, I will be extremely happy. If he leaves, I hope he has the greatest success in the world.”

Costa is believed to have a £65m release clause in his contract so he could be a target for United if they are seriously looking to replace David De Gea.

The Spaniard’s recent poor performances have prompted many to call for the club’s current number one to be offloaded this summer.

However, the noises coming out of Old Trafford would suggest De Gea will be staying put. An agreement over a new contract is said to be close and, if he does stay, there is very little chance that United will pay big money for Costa.