This one has moved very quickly indeed and the early morning papers in the east of the globe have pointed to personal terms having been agreed between Manchester United and young Porto wide man Diogo Dalot. The Sydney Morning Herald reports:
Manchester United are expected to sign Porto right-back Diogo Dalot after activating the €20 million (A$ 31 million) release clause in his contract.
Dalot has agreed personal terms with the club and should push captain Antonio Valencia hard for a place in the first team.
The speed of the move and the fact that Manchester United beat off such strong competition for the player would suggest that Jose Mourinho still holds huge sway in Portugal.
The 19-year was said to be of interest to a clutch of top clubs including Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona. But Manchester United have reportedly activated his release clause and he now looks likely to become the first major signing for the club in what should be a busy summer of ins and outs.
This would seem to be a great move for all concerned. Manchester United right-back Antonio Valencia will still be trusted next season but Dalot will be expected to push hard for a starting berth and get a decent share of games as he looks to become the long-term successor to the Ecuadorian at right-back.
Dalot is a wonderful young colt of a player. He’s got super technique and has regularly held his own in midfield. But it’s in those wide areas that he seems to thrive with a great engine, lovely distribution and the pace to beat a man.
Nobody will be expecting too much too soon but this has to be seen as a coup for Manchester United and Mourinho because Dalot looks like he’s going to be a top player in a few years time.
The report also states that Manchester United want to do deals for Fred, Toby Alderweireld and are also monitoring the situation with Gareth Bale at Real Madrid.