Man Utd accelerate transfer plans as five-year deal is drawn up for player Ten Hag loves

Manchester United are stepping up their plans to tie down a player who has emerged as a key figure in Erik ten Hag’s plans during the early phase of his reign.

The Dutchman has invested heavily since taking charge at Old Trafford, lavishing over £200m during the summer. Of those six signings, five of them have played a significant role so far, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez becoming mainstays of the side.

And the early signs have been promising. United are currently fifth in the table, a point behind Tottenham in fourth and with a game in hand. Wins over Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs have certainly illustrated what United are capable of. And a win at Wolves on Saturday lunchtime would see United move three points behind second-placed Manchester City.

So the signs of progress are there for Ten Hag, though the true measure will not be taken until the end of the season.

And one man who has arguably been their most consistent performer this season is now the emerging as something of a priority for Ten Hag.

Indeed, Diogo Dalot has been a quality and consistent performer in United’s defence.

Having been loaned out at AC Milan during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final full season in charge, Dalot appeared to be on his way out at Old Trafford.

A Jose Mourinho signing for a fee of around £20m, he only had limited chances to shine during his first couple of seasons with United.

However, the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as interim coach changed everything for Dalot.

And he has now become one of the first names on the teamsheet with some excellent displays from right-back.

Ten Hag desperate to secure Dalot to long-term deal

His deal at United was due to expire in summer 2023, leading to fears he could be poached away. Barcelona are among those reportedly keen on a deal.

However, United triggered a one-year extension in that arrangement to at the least secure him to June 2024. That, for now, keeps the wolves at the door.

Ten Hag, though, is desperate to secure Dalot to a new long-term deal at Old Trafford. And, according to O Jogo, United are ready to offer the star a new five-year deal to cement his future to Old Trafford.

Those terms will see Dalot secure a bumper pay-rise, elevating his salary to reflect on his status as a United first-term regular.

And the Portuguese outlet claims Ten Hag is ‘unquestionable’ in his desire to keep a player he loves. And the Dutchman is reportedly looking to secure a ‘lasting commitment’ between the two parties.

Indeed, such has been Dalot’s form that United are preparing to put their plans to sign a new right-back on hold.

The club are reportedly keen to strengthen in the position with interest in several stars like Denzel Dumfries and Vanderson.

The departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka could grant United the freedom to pursue one of those options. Indeed, TEAMtalk recently revealed the most likely next club for the £50m United man.

Dalot offered deal to 2028

However, the priority now is on securing Dalot’s future to Old Trafford. And if United can get Dalot to commit, he will reportedly sign with the Red Devils until 2028.

That was a plan recently given further accreditation by Fabrizio Romano.

“From what I’m told, United have had many conversations with agents, but it depends on Wan-Bissaka,” he told Givemesport.

“Their main priority at right-back is to sign a new deal with Diogo Dalot. So, they want Dalot to sign a new deal as soon as possible and then focus on signing a right-back.”

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