Man Utd urged to keep defender as new suitors try to hijack transfer

Samuel Bannister 12 Mar 2021 11:37 AM

Diogo Dalot should return to Manchester United next season, one former player believes – but reports in Italy suggest a fresh twist over his future.

Dalot struggled to make a significant impression at United after joining them from Porto in 2018. Through a combination of injuries and competition for places, he only made 20 Premier League appearances across two seasons.

United decided to send the Portuguese full-back out on loan in October, with AC Milan taking him for the rest of the season.

The move has worked out for Dalot, who has already made more appearances than he did last season. His most recent game saw him return to Old Trafford.

Dalot was eligible to play against his parent club in the Europa League Round of 16 tie. He played all 90 minutes of the 1-1 draw in the first leg, starting as a left-back.

It was an interesting audition for Dalot to remind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer what he is capable of. Many believe he took his chance to impress.

Dalot promises to create selection dilemma

Diogo Dalot wants to make it difficult for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to pick his Manchester United starting XI by the whole squad training hard.

One such person is former United midfielder Paul Scholes, who thinks Dalot could make an impression back in Manchester next season.

He told BT Sport: “He’s done the right thing to get games at a big club. That will do him the world of good.

“Where does he stand now? I think he’ll come back at the end of the season. Pre-season will be big for him.

“It’s time for him to really perform in those pre-season games. Put a bit of pressure on Aaron Wan-Bissaka.”

Italian interest in Dalot remains

However, Dalot’s future may still lie in Italy, where he has done relatively well when called upon by Milan.

It is not yet clear if the Rossoneri will sign him permanently, but it is an option they will be considering.

But a new report has revealed that there is another club trying to sign him permanently. According to Tuttosport, Napoli are aiming to hijack the deal.

Also on the lookout for new full-backs, Napoli may pose a threat to any hopes Milan have of signing Dalot permanently. Whether they will make a bid, and how United would respond, remains to be seen.

Diogo Dalot