Real Madrid are reportedly planning to make a move for Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot during next summer's transfer window.
Los Blancos are said to be preparing to sign a replacement for Dani Carvajal in 2025, with the 32-year-old's contract at Bernabeu due to expire at the end of the coming season.
Carvajal is likely to sign a new deal, but Real Madrid are allegedly putting plans in place to bring in a long-term replacement for the Spain international.
According to GiveMeSport, Carlo Ancelotti's side view Dalot as their top target in that area of the field, with Man United therefore seemingly facing a huge battle to keep hold of the Portugal international.
The Red Devils are in a strong position when it comes to Dalot's future, though, as the former Porto youngster signed a new contract at Old Trafford in May 2023, with his current deal running until June 2028.
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Real Madrid 'identify Dalot as potential Carvajal replacement'
However, Real Madrid are a difficult club to turn down, and the Spanish club's recruitment and scouting team have allegedly been impressed by Dalot's performances.
Los Blancos reportedly view Dalot as the ideal long-term replacement for Carvajal and are confident that they would be able to tempt the Portuguese to Bernabeu.
Dalot arrived at Man United from Porto in July 2018, and he has represented the Red Devils on 157 occasions in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering 10 assists in the process.
The defender initially found it difficult to break into the Man United XI, spending the 2020-21 campaign on loan at AC Milan, but he has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons.
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Can Man United afford to lose Dalot?
Dalot was named the Man United Players' Player of the Year for the 2023-24 campaign, which was not a surprise considering his performances over the season.
The defender managed three goals and five assists in 50 appearances in all competitions, and he was undoubtedly one of the team's best performers during a tough campaign.
Dalot also played the full 90 minutes of Saturday's Community Shield and found the back of the net in the shootout, which Erik ten Hag's side lost 7-6 to Manchester City.
Man United will confirm Noussair Mazraoui's arrival from Bayern Munich next week to boost their right-back options, but the English club simply cannot afford to lose Dalot due to his quality and temperament, and he has the potential to be a future captain of the Premier League giants.
Matt Law
