Real Madrid look to capitalise on Man Utd star's contract uncertainty

Stuart Telford

• 17 Feb 2023 10:31 GMT
• 3 min read

From David Beckham to Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid have developed a habit of collecting stars from Manchester United, and could make a similar move next summer…

Diogo Dalot has shone for Man Utd under Erik ten Hag this season, but is yet to sign a meaningful contract extension at Old Trafford.

The Portugal right-back's United stay was extended until June 2024 in December, the club exercising their one-year option on him, but while that stops Dalot leaving on a free at the end of the season, it doesn't preclude a future transfer at a knock-down price.

READ: Revealed: How new Dalot deal will change Man Utd's plans at right-back

Real are reportedly monitoring Dalot's situation, mindful that they will eventually need to replace first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal, who turned 31 in January.

Multiple options

"Real could sign [Dalot] in a few months for below the market price of €32 million which [Manchester United] value him at," write Diario AS. "Or they could opt to do it for completely free next year, like they did with [David] Alaba or [Antonio] Rudiger."

Real had been interested in Joao Cancelo this winter when Manchester City made him available, but decided against given the fact that he is 29 in May whilst his fall-out with Pep Guardiola raised questions about his attitude. He joined Bayern Munich on loan instead.

READ: Real Madrid considered €50m January transfer for Man City star

Dalot has also pulled ahead of Cancelo for Portugal in recent months, and the United man, still 23, is seen as the better option by the Bernabeu top brass.

Ronaldo, who swapped Manchester for Madrid in a €94m transfer in 2009, picked Dalot out for special praise during his otherwise explosive interview with Piers Morgan last year which ultimately led to his second Red Devils departure.

"If you ask me what I see in Man United, Diogo Dalot is an example," he said. "He is young, but he is very, very professional. And I'm not doubting that he's going to have longevity in football because he's young, he's smart, intelligent and is very professional."