Real Madrid are ‘interested’ in a Man United defender, according to reports.
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has been ravaged by injuries in recent months, with Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba all sidelined after sustaining cruciate ligament tears.
This has caused the Madrid boss to play youngsters and midfielders in defensive roles of late.
During last week’s 2-0 Champions League defeat against Liverpool at Anfield, he started Fede Valverde as right-back while 21-year-old Raul Asencio accompanied Antonio Rudiger at the heart of Los Blancos’ defence.
On Sunday, Ancelotti’s side returned to winning ways as Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé both scored to hand them a comfortable 2-0 victory over city rivals Getafe – putting them within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
But Madrid’s real concern will be being exposed against the best teams in the Champions League.
As a result, they could pursue Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot.
Dalot, United’s Players’ Player of the Year for 2023/24, was a fixture in Erik ten Hag’s side and has started both Premier League games that new United head coach Ruben Amorim has taken charge of.
The 25-year-old joined the Red Devils from Porto in 2018 and has won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his time at the club.
However, according to Spanish outlet Relevo, ‘contact has been made’ with the player’s ‘entourage’ regarding a possible switch to Madrid.
Real Madrid are ‘interested’ in Diogo Dalot (Credit:Getty)
The report adds that United would ‘start talking’ about a fee of €50m (£41m), but there is no confirmation from either club at this time.
The Portugal international’s current United contract is set to run until June 2028.
Despite being part of a poor Red Devils team for the most part, he has performed consistently and even earned praise from his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, who spoke about Dalot in his infamous interview with ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored’ in November 2022.
“If you ask me what I see at Manchester United, I would probably mention Diogo Dalot,” Ronaldo told Piers Morgan.
“He is an example, he is young but very professional, and I do not doubt that he will have a long career in football. He is young, intelligent, and very professional.”