Manchester United outcast Diogo Dalot has emerged as a transfer target for AS Roma in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to Corriere Dello Sport, AS Roma are on the hunt for a new right-back in the upcoming January transfer window. The club’s general manager Tiago Pinto has promised Jose Mourinho at least two signings, with Manchester United’s very own Diogo Dalot emerging as one of the targets.
The Portuguese international is joined by Benjamin Henrichs and Bartosz Bereszynski in the club’s shortlist for a new right-back in mid-season. Dalot, in particular, is favoured by Mourinho, who was the one that initially brought him to Old Trafford back in July 2018.
The former FC Porto starlet was regarded as quite an asset at the time. However, a disappointing spell at Manchester United has seen the right-back feature in only 44 competitive matches for the club, with the player struggling to establish himself as a first-team regular under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Dalot did play for AC Milan on loan last season. He didn’t disappoint either, becoming a useful outlet in Stefano Pioli’s defensive unit. But it wasn’t enough to impress Solskjaer, who has continued to put his faith in Aaron Wan-Bissaka. In the summer, Dalot was on the verge of a late switch to Borussia Dortmund, but the move was blocked by the Norwegian, citing lack of depth at right-back.
As expected, a prolonged stay at Old Trafford has not served well for Dalot, who has featured in just 83 minutes of Premier League action in the new season. He has fallen behind Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order, with very few chances of redeeming himself anytime soon.
The whole situation is being closely monitored by AS Roma, who are hoping to secure the defender’s services on a loan deal with an option to make the move permanent next summer. The switch could make sense as the Giallorossi do require additional depth at right-back.
The club did acquire the services of Bryan Reynolds in the summer, but coach Mourinho is looking for more competition for Rick Karsdorp. Dalot, with all his experience at the highest level of football, could fit the bill perfectly, especially having previously played in Serie A with AC Milan.
However, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United opt to sanction a move for the Portuguese international. Although the player is yet to establish himself at Old Trafford, the club do lack depth at right-back. Solskjaer himself is facing an uncertain future at the club as well, which means Manchester United will be wary of getting rid of their players, especially in the event of a managerial switch.
