Diogo Dalot: Real Madrid plot shock raid for Man United defender | OneFootball

Real Madrid have identified Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot as an option to bolster their defence this summer, according to a new report from Spain.

Jose takes the throne

Despite a steady decline which has taken him from Old Trafford back to Liga Portugal over the past decade, Mourinho is primed to return to the Spanish capital as Real Madrid’s new manager.

President Florentino Perez has personally picked the 63-year-old as the man to rescue Los Blancos after a dismal season at the Santiago Bernabeu – a decision which spits in the face of logic and reason.

The ‘Special One’ has not coached a top club since leaving United in 2018, with spells at Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma, and Fenerbahce leading him to his current haunt at SL Benfica.

The idea that an obstinate manager, with little appreciation nor understanding for the modern game, is going to provide the solution to the complicated problems unfolding in Madrid is one as fanciful as it is certain to end in tears.

But Perez is pushing ahead with his plan to appoint Mourinho, with the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss already offering his thoughts on Real’s squad.

A key position to fill is right-back as long-term stalwart Dani Carvajal is set to leave after 13 years – and 27 trophies – at the club. This leaves Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has endured a difficult debut campaign in Spain, as the only option on that flank.

Dalot in the crosshairs

Spanish outlet Defensa Central claims Dalot is one of five options on Real’s radar, with the 26-year-old defender having been signed by Mourinho from Porto in 2018.

At the time, the Portuguese coach described his compatriot as the “best full-back in Europe” in that age group, and stated the Braga native could be United’s right-back for the next decade.

Eight years on, this has proven a prescient prediction, with Dalot the first-choice right-back under Michael Carrick. He is considered an important part of the dressing room, having been named part of the leadership team under previous incumbent, Ruben Amorim.

United are understood to be happy with the Portugal international and not looking to upgrade the position this summer. However, a report relayed by The Peoples Person claimed INEOS were open to cashing in if a “premium fee” was tabled.

Defensa Central states the other four targets are: Josh Acheampong (Chelsea), Wesley (Roma), Vanderson (AS Monaco), and Givairo Read (Feyenoord).

Final Thoughts

Despite being an unpopular figure with fans at times, Dalot has consistently been a key part of United’s squad under multiple coaches. He is also highly regarded by his national team manager, Roberto Martinez.

The 26-year-old possesses an excellent range of physical attributes: he is rarely ever injured, is an excellent figure in the dressing room, and is positionally versatile, capable of playing on both sides.

It would take a considerable offer for United to let him leave this summer, as a replacement would have to be sourced. However, the presence of Noussair Mazraoui would help soften this blow.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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