Man United told to agree Diogo Dalot deal as giants line up move – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Diogo Dalot’s role as first-choice right-back under Erik ten Hag is a “sign” he will be handed a new Man United contract.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, urged Red Devils to kickstart discussions with “time ticking” on the 23-year-old’s future.
According to the Daily Mail (10 October), Dalot is wanted by Barcelona after entering the final 12 months of his contract.
The Portugal international had never been a regular feature for Man United before this season, even going out on loan to AC Milan in the 2020-21 campaign.
However, Dalot has started each of the Red Devils’ eight league games this term – providing one assist.
The former Porto star can discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign sides from 1 January.
Whelan suggested Barcelona won’t hesitate with a move for the right-back if he impresses in this winter’s World Cup.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “The new manager has come in and Dalot’s contract is running down.
“But the fact that he’s getting picked and starting games shows that the manager rates him.
“If that’s the case then he needs to be offered a new contract, because this is still a work in progress for Ten Hag.
“You want to have a stable, solid group of players. You can’t just replace everyone straight away, but he should have a clear idea of who he wants to keep around.
“I’d like to think that his game time is a sign that they will be discussing a new contract.
“But time’s ticking, and clubs like Barcelona won’t hesitate to move – especially if he has an impressive World Cup.”
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