Man Utd star in ‘advanced talks’ over new contract and Erik ten Hag ponders transfer U-turn
According to reports, Portugal defender Diogo Dalot is in “advanced talks” with Man Utd over a new contract and an “agreement” should be “reached soon”.
Dalot is one player who has benefitted from Erik ten Hag’s arrival at Man Utd. Prior to the World Cup, he was one of the club’s best performers.
He has been in and out of the team over the past six months but he is still an important player for the Red Devils.
The 24-year-old’s contract was due to expire in 2023 but Man Utd activated their option to extend his deal on the same terms until 2024.
United have still been looking to tie him down to a longer deal and Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that an “agreement” is close. He states.
“Manchester United are advancing in talks to extend Diogo Dalot’s contract. The club’s plan is to keep Dalot and get a new long-term deal done. There’s confidence to reach an agreement soon.”
Dalot’s main rival at right-back is Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The England U21 international has enjoyed a career resurgence in recent months after he barely featured for Man Utd during the first half of this season.
Wan-Bissaka has been heavily linked with a move elsewhere but Manchester Evening News are reporting that he has ‘been impressing United figures ahead of the transfer window’. The report adds.
‘It is understood Crystal Palace started to prepare a package at the start of the year to re-sign Wan-Bissaka, 25, in the summer but that activity has gone dormant.
‘Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong’s representatives were encouraged by discussions with United, who initially indicated Wan-Bissaka would be moved on in the close season.
‘However, United figures have since suggested Wan-Bissaka could remain at the club beyond this term amid his improved form.
‘United manager Erik ten Hag has been impressed by Wan-Bissaka’s recent resurgence but he wants a new right-back to improve his options in the area.
‘Ten Hag was keen on Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest last year but United’s failure to shift Wan-Bissaka – who was available for transfer all summer – blocked any move.’
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Back in February, Red Devils boss Ten Hag praised Wan-Bissaka for “improving his game”.
“He is improving his game and I’m happy with his return,” Ten Hag said.
“He had a difficult first part of the season but he fought himself back and that’s a credit to him. If you struggle, you fight yourself back; that’s what life is about, and especially top football.”
He added: “You always have to be on the front foot, you always have to be ready. Sometimes you have setbacks and you have to deal with it and fight back; that is what he did.
“As you say, he’s also now improving his game. [In his] defending I think he was always reliable, but offensively also now he has an impact.”
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