Integral Man Utd star’s future takes fresh twist as Real Madrid glimpse transfer opportunity

Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race for a Manchester United player who up until now has looked more likely to either stay at Old Trafford or be targeted by the La Liga side’s rivals at Barcelona.

Man Utd may have to address the futures of several players in their squad ahead of the summer transfer window. They managed to keep hold of the vast majority of their squad men during January, but will have further decisions to make at the end of the season.

Furthermore, there are players with expiring contracts, either this or next year. One of those is Diogo Dalot, who was due to become a free agent at the end of this season until Man Utd activated an option to extend his stay until 2024.

In turn, they protected themselves from Barcelona, who were looking at Dalot as an ideal right-back target to sign on a free transfer in the summer.

The next step for Man Utd is to tie Dalot down to a better contract for the long term. Their optimism has been growing in that respect, while the player himself has been indicating how happy he is at Old Trafford.

But there has been a fresh twist for Dalot after a revelation by AS that Real Madrid have now emerged as potential takers for the Portugal international.

According to the Spanish source’s report, the reigning La Liga champions have turned their attention to Dalot as they too look for an economical reinforcement at right-back.

Of course, their plans depend on whether Man Utd can prolong Dalot’s contract before the next transfer window opens. But as things stand, Real are ready to put pressure on Man Utd.

Diogo Dalot could yet leave Man Utd for Real Madrid

Los Blancos want another right-back who can provide better competition for existing starter Dani Carvajal, who is now above the age of 30.

Due to turn 24 in March, Dalot is at an ideal stage of his career to become a long-term solution at the Bernabeu.

And given his current contract situation, he would be a more attainable target for Madrid than Joao Cancelo, whom they showed an interest in before he left Manchester City for Bayern Munich on loan.

It is over to Man Utd, then, to get Dalot’s signature on a longer contract as soon as possible. He has generally been Erik ten Hag’s starting right-back this season, ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order.

Man Utd continue to be linked with other right-backs themselves in case either Dalot or Wan-Bissaka leave. However, the fact that the latter is worthy of links with clubs as big as Real Madrid and Barcelona suggests he is someone capable of meeting standards on a regular basis.

Dalot has been patient throughout his Man Utd career, so it would be a shame if his time as a starter wasn’t going to last long due to a potential exit.

Real Madrid remain an attractive club for top players to join, though. Therefore, the former AC Milan loanee might have some things to think about before committing to anything in Manchester.

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