Chelsea are reportedly ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande this summer.

The 21-year-old has been a vital player for Sporting during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring once in 31 appearances, and he has been a standout figure for his Lisbon club since arriving from FC Midtjylland in January 2023.

There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the Ivory Coast international's future, with a number of clubs believed to be interested in signing him during this summer's transfer window.

Man United have been heavily linked with Diomande, with Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim a huge admirer of the defender, who starred under the Portuguese in Lisbon.

However, according to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are at the head of the queue for his services, and the Blues are growing in confidence when it comes to a summer deal for the Ivorian.

Chelsea 'leading Man United' in race for Sporting's Diomande

Diomande has a €80m (£66.6m) release clause in his contract, but Chelsea are believed to be confident of making a €20m (£16.7m) saving by putting a deal in place ahead of the summer window.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also said to be keen on Diomande, with Sporting expected to cash-in this summer.

The defender has made 86 appearances for his Lisbon club since his arrival, including seven outings in the Champions League this season, and he has made a positive impression.

Chelsea are well-stocked in the middle of their defence, but the Blues are keen to add another player in that area this summer, with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi being heavily linked with a return to Stamford Bridge.

Do Man United need another centre-back?

Like Chelsea, Man United have a number of centre-back options, but both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are expected to leave the club on free transfers this summer.

Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez is set to be out for the remainder of 2025 due to a serious knee injury, which is likely to lead to Man United making a centre-back signing during the upcoming market.

Ayden Heaven did make the move from Arsenal in January, but the 18-year-old is a player for the future.

Harry Maguire has worked his way back into favour at Man United and recently had his contract extended for another season, while Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro are both seemingly firmly in Amorim's plans moving forward. body check tags ::