Man Utd in ‘advanced talks’ with star Scholes fears ‘could be a problem’ for Ten Hag

Man Utd are in ‘advanced talks’ with a player also wanted by Real Madrid and Barcelona, though club legend Paul Scholes doubts whether the in-demand star is cut out for the biggest moments.

The 7-0 defeat to Liverpool aside, United have taken great strides forward under Erik ten Hag this season. A first trophy since 2017 has been banked, while United will fancy their chances of adding the FA Cup and Europa League to their haul too.

To take the next step in the Premier League, much is expected at Old Trafford during the summer transfer window.

A new centre-forward is in the club’s sights, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen their top two targets, per the Telegraph.

If neither can be signed, the likes of Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos are understood to be viable alternatives.

A new central midfielder has been touted amid renewed hope of finally landing Frenkie de Jong. Elsewhere, an attacking upgrade at right-back was targeted in January before Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s return to form saw United keep their powder dry.

When both are fit, it’s generally been Diogo Dalot at right-back this term with Wan-Bissaka serving as back-up. United triggered the one-year option in Dalot’s contract in late-2022 to tie him down until 2024.

However, Dalot is a player United have kept the lines of communication open with regarding a longer-term deal.

That’s proved a wise policy with Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid both circling. Now, per the Sun, a new deal for Dalot is taking shape.

Dalot deal ‘advanced’, but Scholes has his doubts

The newspaper reported Man Utd are in ‘advanced talks’ with Dalot over a ‘new, long-term deal’. The length of the contract as well as how much he’ll be paid wasn’t speculated in the piece.

In any case, it certainly sounds like a new deal is on the horizon, though club legend Paul Scholes has seemingly suggested it shouldn’t be.

Speaking in the aftermath of the 7-0 thumping at Old Trafford, Scholes turned the spotlight on Dalot when claiming he’s “not quite at the level” United require in the biggest games and fiercest atmospheres.

“I think there are a couple of players in that team that when it comes to big games like this I don’t think they’re quite at the level,” Scholes told Premier League Prodctions.

“I think the right-back position (Diogo Dalot) could be a problem.”

That’s seemingly not a view shared by Ten Hag given the Sun’s claim a new deal is advanced.

TRANSFER GOSSIP: Man Utd make ballsy move to land Frankfurt playmaker Ten Hag loves; PSG hunt Newcastle star; Everton, Leeds chase 101 goal striker