Real Madrid, Barcelona eyeing sensational deal for “powerful” United star – report

Manchester United are not exactly blessed with options at wingback with both Antony and Tyrell Malacia struggling in the Europa League game against Bodo/Glimt.

The Dutch star was praised after the game by Ruben Amorim but he is still to regain full fitness and with Borussia Dortmund and Lyon interested in his services, the club could opt to get rid in January.

With Luke Shaw once again injured, that leaves Diogo Dalot as the only viable alternative and he had to play the full 90 minutes on Sunday against Everton.

He is likely to start against Arsenal as well and while Amorim would prefer to play him down the right, he has no option to keep playing him on the left until INEOS manage to sign someone.

Real want Dalot

But as The Peoples Person recently relayed, the Portugal international is the subject of interest from Real Madrid with the club open to a sale should Los Blancos stump up €50 million in January.

Now CaughtOffside have claimed that Barcelona will not let their eternal rivals win the race so easily and are prepared to pay what United demand should the defender express an interest in leaving.

Deco, Barca’s current sporting director, is Portuguese and that could tip things in their favour should both clubs submit similar offers.

“CaughtOffside sources understand that Los Blancos have already spoken with their Man United counterparts about the possible transfer of the 25-year-old Dalot, though Amorim will attempt to rebuff any offers for a player that won the Player’s Player of the Year award last season, starting every game in the Premier League.

“Sources have further advanced that Real’s La Liga rivals, Barcelona, are expected to muscle in on any deal were the player himself to hint at a potential move away.

Barca also enter the race

“The Portuguese connection at the Catalan giants – Deco is the club’s current sporting director – could be something that actually tips the balance in their favour.”

Both La Liga giants are struggling at right-back with Real set to be without Dani Carvajal following his injury while Jules Kounde has struggled off late over at Camp Nou.

Amorim will ask the club to rebuff any approaches after he claimed that Dalot is a “powerful” cog in his plans. But the chance to earn a substantial fee which could then be used to sign the likes of Geovany Quenda and Viktor Gyokeres could be a tempting proposition.

Whether such talks gather pace closer to January or next summer remains to be seen. But for now, the club should keep a hold of their best players and try and sign a left wingback in January.

Feature image Stephen Pond via Getty Images

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