Man Utd transfer news: Juventus join growing list of admirers for defender transformed under Erik ten Hag

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus have joined a number of top clubs showing an interest in a Manchester United defender who is excelling under Erik ten Hag.

After a woeful start to Ten Hag’s first campaign in charge, when the Red Devils lost at home to Brighton and were hammered at Brentford, United have since won four Premier League games on the bounce.

A number of players have increased their levels significantly since that opening fortnight, with Diogo Dalot one of them.

The right-back often struggled for game time under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. However, he’s been very much first choice under Ten Hag, starting all six league games so far.

However, Dalot will be out of contract at the end of the season and that prompted interest in his services.

For their part, United do have the option to extend his deal by a further year. And if the 23-year-old carries on his current form then that will surely happen.

Both Barcelona and Roma have been mentioned as suitors for Dalot, but now Juve has joined the race.

The Portugal international was hugely impressive during his season on loan at AC Milan in 2020-21. He scored twice in 33 games in all competitions for the San Siro giants.

Italy return a temptation for Dalot

And it appears the player is at least tempted by a return to Italian football.

Calciomercato mentions Juventus and Milan as possible destinations for Dalot, although Roma are firmly in the running too.

Indeed, ll Corriere dello Sport states that Dalot is a long-time target of Jose Mourinho in the Italian capital.

Mourinho actually brought the defender to Old Trafford in 2018 and wants to be reunited with the player.

Much now depends on the player’s desire to remain and Manchester and whether United want to keep him.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently detailed why United are hesitant to activate Dalot’s clause. The Red Devils want a long-term deal signed and only if that can’t be achieved will they trigger the one-year extension as a last resort.

Dalot deserves fresh United contract

There is a strong argument to suggest that Dalot is worthy of earning a new long-term contract at Old Trafford.

The full-back already looks improved under Ten Hag, despite the Dutchman only being at the club a matter of months.

He scored his first two goals for Portugal in the Nations League in midweek and is currently full of confidence.

Sunday will be a big test for Dalot, however, with a trip to Manchester City upcoming.

He will likely have to stem his attacking instincts and will probably go head-to-head with either Jack Grealish or Phil Foden.

The game at The Etihad will, however, be a great chance for the player to showcase how much he has improved.

It could also go a long way to him earning that long-term contract and put all talk of a move to one side.

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