Man Utd set to trigger extension for Diogo Dalot to ward off interest from Barcelona and AC Milan

MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to trigger a one-year extension with Diogo Dalot amid interest from two European powerhouses.

The Portuguese defender’s current deal at Old Trafford expires next summer having been signed by Jose Mourinho back in 2018 from Porto for £19m.

Under Erik ten Hag, the 23-year-old has cemented the right-back position ahead of the maligned Aaron Wan-Bissaka – starting all 12 of United’s Premier League games this season.

After coming close to leaving the club last summer, Dalot is now being monitored by both Barcelona and AC Milan in the hope of snatching him on a free next year.

But SunSport understands United are determined to keep hold of Dalot while contract negotiations continue – and will extend his stay until at least the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

Carlos Goncalves – Dalot’s agent from the age of 15 – is in constant dialogue with United over his client’s future.

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The Portugal international hopes to be heading to Qatar this month after being named in his country̢۪s 55-man preliminary World Cup squad.

He said in a recent interview: “Personally, I’m not one to make long-term plans.

“I live season by season, month by month and just want to help the team as much I can.

“Right now, my ambitions are to be at the World Cup to help my national team, and in the end of the season to give trophies to [United] fans because they deserve it.”

Dalot spent the 20/21 season on loan at Milan after falling out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, scoring twice in 33 appearances and impressing in Serie A.

Since then, he has been a regular in the side, first under Ralf Rangnick before Ten Hag̢۪s appointment in May.

Dalot scored his first Old Trafford goal against FC Sheriff in the Europa League last week, while only Bruno Fernandes (29) has created more goalscoring chances for United in the league this season (20).

After United’s 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday, Ten Hag said of Dalot: “His defending positions are growing from game to game. His timing, also his duels.

“In possession, I think he’s really good and he has the breath to go up and down [the wing]. His development is really good.”