Manchester United are reportedly planning to offer Diogo Dalot a new contract following the World Cup.
The Portugal international has taken advantage of Aaron Wan-Bissaka's injury woes to become the Red Devils' first-choice right-back during Erik ten Hag's debut season.
Dalot put in another impressive shift in Wednesday's 2-0 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur, where goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes got the job done for a ruthless Man United.
The 23-year-old now has two assists to boast from 14 matches in all competitions this season, and barring injury, he will be on the plane to Qatar for the World Cup with Portugal.
Dalot was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford over the summer, but his decision to stay and fight for his place has been a worthwhile one so far.
Nevertheless, the right-back's future is still being called into question, as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but United possess the option to trigger a 12-month extension.
Both Barcelona and Juventus are reported to be keeping a close eye on Dalot's situation, but according to Mundo Deportivo, Man United will soon offer the defender a new contract.
The report claims that the Red Devils will allow Dalot to focus on the World Cup before tabling a proposal in the new year, as Ten Hag has "absolute confidence" in the Portugal international.
Dalot is understood to feel appreciated at Old Trafford, but should he ultimately reject Man United's proposal of a new long-term contract, the Red Devils will trigger the 12-month extension to ensure he does not leave for free next year.
The ex-Porto youngster is still believed to be open to offers from other clubs, and Barcelona are lingering in the background should Dalot decide that he wants to advance his career elsewhere.
Since making the move to Old Trafford from Porto for £19.8m in the summer of 2018, Dalot has recorded one goal and five assists in 79 appearances for Man United in all competitions.
The defender enjoyed a productive loan spell at AC Milan in the 2020-21 campaign, and he revealed earlier this year that he turned down the chance to join the Italian champions permanently.
"Milan are a great club and I loved the season with the Rossoneri. But it (transfer) wasn't just up to me. In the end I decided to stay at United and it was the right decision," Dalot told the media.
"If I'm a better defender I owe it to Milan. Italian football is different from the Premier League and I had to adapt in just one year and playing in Serie A has helped me a lot.
"Over the past two years here in Manchester, the minutes have increased and, consequently, so has self-esteem."
Man United remain fifth in the table after Wednesday's win over Tottenham, but they are now only one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea after the Blues were held to a goalless draw by Brentford. body check tags ::
