Manchester United 'preparing to open contract talks with Diogo Dalot'

Manchester United will reportedly open contract talks with Diogo Dalot "soon", as the club attempt to sign the Portugal international to a long-term agreement.

The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for the Red Devils during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring once and providing two assists in 20 appearances in all competitions.

Dalot has one assist in 13 Premier League matches, while he scored once and provided one assist in six outings in the group stage of the Europa League.

The right-back's contract at Old Trafford is due to expire next June, which has led to a host of speculation surrounding his future, with Barcelona said to be interested in his services.

However, Man United are expected to soon activate a 12-month extension in Dalot's deal, which will give them more time to negotiate a long-term agreement in Manchester.

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Dalot has been the team's first-choice right-back since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure as head coach in November 2021, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka dropping down the pecking order.

The Red Devils are allegedly keen to move Wan-Bissaka on in January, with West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace said to be showing an interest.

"Manchester United are trying to find a solution for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in order to let him leave. Wolves, West Ham and Crystal Palace remain interested," Fabrizio Romano told CaughtOffside.

"Man Utd's main priority on the right-back situation remains to extend Diogo Dalot's contract. Talks will take place soon.

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"It's possible for Dalot to stay and extend the contract, but negotiations will take place in the next weeks with a new meeting.

"So it's still early to say how likely it is, but for sure it's a possibility as Man United will push and Dalot is really appreciated by Ten Hag. Barcelona has followed Dalot for a long time but he's not going to leave as a free agent in June."

Dalot was in action for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, making three appearances at the competition, starting their last-16 clash against Switzerland and quarter-final with Morocco.

The defender picked up a hamstring problem during the 1-0 defeat to Morocco on December 12, though, which will need to be properly assessed before it is determined when he can return for the Red Devils.

Dalot has now made 85 appearances Man United since arriving from Porto in the summer of 2018, contributing two goals and five assists in the process.