Spanish giants Real Madrid have set their sights on one of Manchester United’s defenders due to a recent flurry of defensive injuries.
Manchester United currently sit fourth in the Premier League table after their 3-2 win over league leaders, Arsenal, at the Emirates on Sunday. Michael Carrick’s Reds face Fulham this weekend, where a win will be vital in their bid for a top-four spot.
United have managed to bring optimism back to Old Trafford in recent weeks, and will be determined to keep hold of all of their stars in the final stages of the transfer window.
This being said, Spanish giants, Real Madrid, are reportedly growing interested in one of United’s defenders, with a defensive signing now seen as a necessity for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side.
Real Madrid sit second in La Liga following a hectic season, much like United, and could try to add Diogo Dalot to the list of stars who have played for both clubs, alongside the likes of Alvaro Carreras, Sir David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Dalot linked with Madrid move
Reports from Fichajes suggest that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has set the signing of Dalot as an ‘immediate priority’. This news comes following a plethora of injuries to the Madrid backline, leaving midfielder Federico Valverde to fill in at the back.
Despite the huge signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer, injuries have prevented the England international from making much of an impact so far. Real Madrid are still just one point behind Barcelona, so they will therefore be looking to plug any holes to stay in the title race.
The report states that Madrid are ready to submit a ‘convincing offer in the last days of January’ which could then ‘open the door to negotiations.’ Although United will be reluctant to sell, an attractive offer could give them some food for thought.
Dalot has played over 200 games for United since joining in June 2018, and has had to play under many different managers and systems. At the age of just 26, the Portuguese international could fetch an expensive fee due to the fact that his contract runs until June 2028.
Time to move on?
With inconsistency that has divided the fanbase at times, a departure from Old Trafford for Dalot could arguably have its benefits. Noussair Mazraoui has become a fan favourite with his defensive work rate and could solidify his starting position.
United would also be left with a substantial budget to utilise, which could be invested in a new right-back or help fund a new defensive midfielder following Casemiro’s announcement that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
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On the other hand, if Dalot were to leave in January, it could leave United struggling to fill his void, with Mazraoui being the only right-back option available to Carrick. Waiting until the summer window could lower his price, but be vital to the fight for European spots.
With United’s only movement this window being the arrangement of loans for some of their youth talents, they don’t seem keen on the idea of any major shakeups, and nor should they, given their recent victories.
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