Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will go head-to-head in an 'intense bidding war' after the two clubs made formal contact with Manchester United for one of their players, according to a new report.
It has been a quiet month for Madrid and Bayern. In fact, despite rumours suggesting they would make moves, both clubs have yet to sign a player in January.
Los Blancos continue to be linked with a big-money bid for Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero, while Vincent Kompany's side are said to be weighing up a move for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong.
With just three days remaining of the January window, those deals look unlikely at this stage.
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However, it appears two of Europe's biggest clubs will go all out to sign Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot this summer, with a report from journalist Ekrem Konur claiming they are both keen.
Madrid and Bayern are said to have made formal contact with United to sound out the availability of Dalot, who has impressed under Michael Carrick in recent weeks.
The report suggests 'frustrations are mounting' at Madrid regarding the availability of summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has struggled with injuries in his debut season at the Bernabeu.
As a result, the club's recruitment department are 'closely monitoring' Dalot as they view him as the 'ultimate solution' to their defensive issues.
Bayern, meanwhile, are struggling at right-back. Injuries to Josip Stanisic and Konrad Laimer have left them yearning for a capable replacement, while the unwanted Sacha Boey is being strongly linked with a move away.
The Bundesliga club have also reached out regarding a potential move for Dalot.
Diogo Dalot 'responds' to interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich
Despite interest from elsewhere, Dalot wants to stay at Manchester United. He is said to have 'rebuffed' the previously mentioned approaches and has 'total belief' in United's project.
Since arriving at the club from FC Porto in 2018, Dalot has struggled at times. However, his recent form has been praised by former United defender Gary Neville.
In fact, Neville believes it would be a mistake to "get rid" of the Portuguese full-back.
"Another player I want to mention is Diogo Dalot,’ Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast, after United's 3-2 win over Arsenal. "Look, he gets a really harsh view at times off quite a few United fans.
"I actually think there’s a half-decent full back in there. And I want full backs so closely. At times I think he gets too involved but he’s good in the air, he’s athletic, he’s decent on the ball, he can defend his back post.
"I don’t think he’s a world class full back but neither was I. He does a lot of things and he could even simplify his game a little and focus on feeding people.
"He’s started being more aggressive at getting out to players and then getting back in. The defenders in general are really getting that connection in the last two games."
Neville added: "I think he’s got something about him, Dalot, I think he’s got a 7/10 performance in him every week."
Topics: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, La Liga, Man Utd, Premier League
Jack Kenmare