Solskjaer makes decision on future of Man Utd star amid Barcelona links

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will not allow Diogo Dalot to leave Manchester United, despite a lack of gametime since his 2018 move, it is claimed.

United were believed to have signed one of the biggest defensive prospects in Europe when they acquired a then-teenage Dalot from Porto in Jose Mourinho’s final transfer window in charge of the club – but the full-back has had to be patient for opportunities.

Dalot was restricted to just 12 Premier League starts in his first season, while Solskjaer has preferred to use Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back and Luke Shaw at left-back this season, with injuries also limiting the Portuguese youth international to just one league start this time around.

The emergence of left-back Brandon Williams from the United academy has added further competition for places in Dalot’s positions, potentially pushing the Porto youth product further to the fringes.

Paris Saint-Germain have been keeping an eye on Dalot’s situation, but ESPN claim that Solskjaer still values the 21-year-old and will not allow him to leave for either the French champions or Barcelona, who are also mentioned as a potential suitor.

Having lost Ashley Young to Inter Milan in January, it is claimed that the United boss wants Dalot to provide cover on either side of defence and fight for his place in the first team.

Dalot remains under contract until 2023, and is reportedly valued at around the £35m mark by the Old Trafford club.

 

ESPN add that Solskjaer will be in the market for a new centre-back, although reports elsewhere of a nine-figure asking price for one major target have reportedly ‘scared’ the club.

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