Manchester United are reportedly determined to tie right-back Diogo Dalot down to a new long-term contract as a matter of priority.
The Portugal international is enjoying a breakthrough year with the Red Devils, having demoted Aaron Wan-Bissaka to become Erik ten Hag's first-choice right-back.
Dalot, who spent the 2020-21 season on loan at AC Milan, has one goal and two assists to boast from 20 matches in all tournaments this term, having started 13 Premier League matches.
The 23-year-old also recorded one assist from three games for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup and was one of four players to have their 12-month extensions triggered by Man United.
Dalot, Fred, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw were all due to become free agents at the end of the season, but the quartet are now tied down to the Red Devils until the summer of 2024.
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However, their long-term futures remain unclear, but Dalot is expected to be offered a new long-term contract after becoming a key player during Ten Hag's maiden campaign.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano - via GiveMeSport - Man United are now keen to agree fresh terms with Dalot as soon as possible in order to ward off interested clubs.
Romano told the outlet that Man United are also aiming to sign a new right-back to compete with Dalot, but their first priority is to extend the Portuguese's deal further.
"From what I'm told, United have had many conversations with agents, but it depends on Wan-Bissaka. Their main priority at right-back is to sign a new deal with Diogo Dalot," Romano said. "So, they want Dalot to sign a new deal as soon as possible and then focus on signing a right-back."
Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries and Lyon's Malo Gusto are believed to be two of Man United's prime right-back targets, while Celtic's Josip Juranovic has also been linked with a move.
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Dalot made the move to Old Trafford from Porto in 2018 and has now made 85 appearances for the 20-time English champions, recording two goals and five assists in the process.
The Portugal defender missed Tuesday's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest with a hamstring issue, allowing Wan-Bissaka to come in for his first Premier League start of the season after he set up a goal against Burnley in the EFL Cup.
Despite Dalot's emergence, Ten Hag believes that Wan-Bissaka still has a future at the Theatre of Dreams, telling reporters: "Aaron Wan-Bissaka, it is clear he has a future (here).
"He's had some good years with United, but from the start of this season he had a lot of illnesses and injuries, and so was running behind. His fitness levels are getting better, his performance levels are getting better."
Dalot - who also missed the EFL Cup win over Burnley - remains a major doubt for Saturday's showdown with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where a win could see Man United leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur into fourth place in the Premier League table.
Ben Knapton
