MX23RW : Sunday, December 22 22:30:29| >> :60:160:160:

Barcelona 'identify Diogo Dalot as leading transfer target'

Barcelona 'identify Diogo Dalot as leading transfer target'
© Reuters
Barcelona want to sign Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot during next summer's transfer window, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly determined to sign Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot during next summer's transfer window.

The 23-year-old became Man United's first-choice right-back when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked as head coach last November, with Ralf Rangnick picking the Portugal international over Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Dalot has kept hold of his starting spot during the 2022-23 campaign, with the defender already making 10 appearances this term, contributing two assists in the process.

There is currently uncertainty surrounding the Portuguese's future at Old Trafford, though, as his current deal with the 20-time English champions is due to expire next June.

Man United do have the option of activating a one-year extension and that is expected to be the case in order to allow them to make a final decision when it comes to a potential new deal.

A dejected Diogo Dalot in action for Manchester United on August 13, 2022© Reuters

Barcelona were credited with an interest in Dalot over the summer, with the Catalan outfit looking to sign a new right-sided defender, but the club ultimately re-signed Hector Bellerin.

Xavi's side are said to be keen to bring in a long-term solution at right-back next summer, though, and according to Sport, Dalot has been identified as the club's leading target.

The report claims that Barcelona have already been in contact with Dalot's representatives to discuss the possibility of a move during next summer's transfer window.

Man United are allegedly determined to keep hold of the defender but could consider offers of €25m (£22m) if they are unable to sign him to a new long-term deal.

Dalot came through the youth system at Porto and represented the Portuguese giants on eight occasions before joining the Red Devils in 2018.

Diogo Dalot celebrates scoring for Portugal on September 24, 2022© Reuters

The defender spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at AC Milan after struggling for action at Old Trafford, featuring on 33 occasions for the Italian giants.

Dalot scored twice for Portugal during their recent UEFA Nations League contest with the Czech Republic, and he is widely expected to be in their squad for the 2022 World Cup.

The right-back has started all seven of Man United's Premier League matches this season, in addition to their three Europa League games with Real Sociedad, Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonia.

Barcelona were believed to be determined to sign Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta to boost their right-back options for this season, but the club ultimately moved for Bellerin after allowing Sergino Dest to leave on loan.

Man United are also currently short in that area of the field, with Wan-Bissaka on the sidelines through injury, while Brandon Williams, who can also play at right-back, remains out with a long-term issue.

ID:496492:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5430:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Hector Bellerin

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring for Manchester United on August 22, 2022
Read Next:
Marcus Rashford 'expected to be fit for Manchester derby'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Lions
34-17
Bears
FT
Browns
6-24
Bengals
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Bills
FT
Titans
30-38
Colts
FT
Giants
7-34
Falcons
FT
Rams
19-9
Jets
FT
Cardinals
30-36
Panthers
FT
Eagles
33-36
Washington
9.05pm
Vikings
@
Seahawks
9.25pm
49ers
@
Dolphins
9.25pm
Jags
@
Raiders
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!