Manchester United refused to allow Diogo Dalot to leave on a permanent deal over the summer as they are "convinced" that he "will be a top full-back in the future", according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The 21-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford for the 2020-21 campaign and subsequently joined AC Milan on loan earlier this month.
According to Romano, the Italian giants had wanted the option of signing Dalot on a permanent deal, but the 20-time English champions were only interested in a loan move.
The journalist claims that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team are "convinced" that the Portuguese will develop into a leading full-back for the club over the next few years.
Dalot is yet to feature in Serie A but has played in both of Milan's Europa League group games this season against Celtic and Sparta Prague, providing a goal and an assist in the 3-0 win over the latter on Thursday night.
The Portugal Under-21 international, who has made 35 appearances for his parent club, has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2023.
Matt Law
