Real Madrid 'preparing to rival Barcelona for Diogo Dalot'

Real Madrid have reportedly joined Barcelona in pursuit of Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot.

The Portugal international has been Man United's first-choice right-back since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure as head coach in November 2021, taking Aaron Wan-Bissaka's spot in the XI.

Dalot has been one of his side's most consistent performers during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 15 occasions in all competitions, contributing two assists in the process.

Despite his status as a key player for Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, the defender's current deal at Old Trafford is due to expire in June 2023.

Man United have the option of activating an extension until June 2024, but there has also been talk of a potential new long-term deal at the club to reflect his importance to the side.

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The 20-time English champions will allegedly sit down with Dalot after the World Cup to discuss his future, but as it stands, he will be free to hold talks with foreign clubs at the start of January.

Barcelona have been heavily linked with the Portuguese in recent months, with the Catalan outfit thought to view him as their leading target at right-back.

However, according to The Mirror, there is also genuine interest from Real Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti's side preparing to battle their Clasico rivals for his signature.

The report claims that Manchester City's Joao Cancelo had been the club's first choice, but the English champions are refusing to let the Portuguese leave.

Real Madrid are believed to have scouted Dalot regularly throughout this season, and there has been hugely positive feedback on the former Porto youngster.

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The right-back made eight appearances for Porto before making the move to Man United in June 2018, with Jose Mourinho believed to have played an important role in the deal going through.

Dalot initially struggled to earn regular minutes at Old Trafford, but a successful loan spell at AC Milan during the 2020-21 campaign saw him return to his parent club to battle for a first-team spot.

The Portuguese made 30 appearances in all competitions last term, while he has been a certain starter for Ten Hag's side during the current season.

Dani Carvajal remains Real Madrid's first-choice right-back, making 14 appearances in all competitions this season, contributing two assists in the process, while the Spain international still has another three years left to run on his contract at Bernabeu.