Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is confident that Diogo Dalot will keep "progressing" and "developing", with the defender in strong form for the Red Devils this term.
The Portugal international has been Man United's first-choice right-back since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure as head coach last November, starting all 17 of his side's matches this season, scoring once and providing two assists in the process.
The 23-year-old demonstrated his defensive capabilities with a man-of-the-match performance in Sunday's 1-0 win over West Ham United, but his future at Old Trafford is unclear, with the full-back's current deal due to expire next June.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and AC Milan are believed to be among the clubs interested in the Portuguese, who recently said that discussions over a potential new deal at Old Trafford could wait.
According to The Sun, the 20-time English champions are ready to trigger a one-year extension in the defender's deal to prevent him from being allowed to hold talks with foreign clubs in January.
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The report claims that Dalot's agent Carlos Goncalves is in 'constant dialogue' with Man United over a potential new contract, with the club determined to keep hold of him.
Dalot is currently with his team in Spain preparing for Thursday's Europa League contest with Real Sociedad.
Ten Hag was asked about the former Porto youngster ahead of the clash with the Basque side, and the Dutchman is confident that he will continue to improve as he gains more experience.
"I hope he keeps progressing, so not only sticking to this level. Our approach, our philosophy is that good is not good enough. We have to do better," Ten Hag told reporters.
"We're happy with the development and the performances of Diogo so it's quite clear. But I know that every club in the top elite clubs need competition and I think we can replace him, with Victor Lindelof, with Tyrell Malacia and luckily also Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back in the squad.
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"So we have replacements but it's clear, it's heavy when you have to play every game but physically he's got a really good profile and I'm sure he will keep going and he will keep developing. That is what we demand and I am confident he will do that."
In a recent interview with Sky Sports News, Dalot said: "I'm just happy that I'm helping this club. I love to play for this club, and I think that I show that every single time I step onto Old Trafford and every time I wear this badge. This is the most important for me [right now]."
The defender made the move to Old Trafford from Porto in July 2018, and he has now represented the Red Devils on 82 occasions in all competitions, contributing two goals and five assists in the process.
Man United need to record a two-goal victory over Real Sociedad on Thursday evening in order to top their Europa League section and automatically progress to the knockout round of the competition.
Matt Law
