Revealed: Jorge Mendes plans to take Diogo Dalot to Barcelona

FT Desk

• 1 Nov 2022 16:02 GMT
• 3 min read

Diogo Dalot has emerged as first-choice right-back at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag, but that might not be enough to keep him at Old Trafford beyond the end of the season.

Dalot was signed during Jose Mourinho's tenure, but he failed to impress under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, playing second-fiddle to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and was expected to leave on a permanent basis following his loan to AC Milan in the 2020/21 season.

But the Portuguese has been Ten Hag's second most used outfield player this season after his compatriot Bruno Fernandes, and United have an option to extend his expiring contract by another season at the end of the current campaign.

READ: Man Utd line up former City prospect as Dalot transfer replacement

But his agent Jorge Mendes is determined to dissuade the club from exercising it, according to reports in Spain.

"At right-back, Diogo Dalot is an option Barca have at the front of their minds," report Mundo Deportivo. "More than just an offer, Barca are being dogged about acquiring him. Those at Camp Nou have made a special follow-up and reports on the player are excellent.

The Catalan daily newspaper also report that Mendes has "personally endorsed" the idea of Dalot joining Barcelona and that the agent has an "exquisite relationship" with the Blaugrana.

READ: Why Bellerin’s Barcelona downfall could cause transfer concern for Man Utd

Dalot himself was non-committal about his future when pressed on it recently.

What has Dalot said?

"I mean, I just think this isn't worth thinking about too much at this time," he told Sky Sports. "We're in the process of where we think we have to improve our game as a team and focus on the club.

"Individuals will have to come secondat this time and there's also a World Cup coming. I don't think that it's the time to think about this [new contract].

"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."