Barcelona want to sign "undroppable" Man Utd player in January - he's been excellent this season

Barcelona want to sign Manchester United star Diogo Dalot in January, according to new reports.

Dalot has been in superb form this season for Erik ten Hag's side this season, starting every game in all competitions until his enforced absence against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday through suspension.

He has cemented his place as first choice right-back when both he and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are available.

The Portugal international is a great fit for Ten Hag's system, with his ever-growing defensive attributes also complimented by attacking strengths down United's right flank.

Earlier in November, Ten Hag praised Dalot for the improvements he has made under his management.

He said: "I hope Diogo keeps progressing, so not only sticking to this level. Our approach, our philosophy, is that good is not good enough. We have to do better.

"But we're happy with the development and the performance of Diogo, that's quite clear."

The Red Devils do have a potential upcoming issue with the 23-year-old, however, because his current contract expires in the summer of 2023.

But they do appear to have an 12-month option on the player to extend his deal until 2024, which The Sun claim the club plan to activate in order to avoid losing one of their star assets for free next summer.

However, the allure of one club in particular may convince Dalot that his future should be away from Old Trafford.

Barcelona keen on Diogo Dalot

Spanish outlet Sport (as per Man Utd News) have claimed that Dalot is on Barcelona's shortlist in the January transfer window, as they search for a new right-back.

Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin is the only natural experienced right-back currently in the squad, having joined from the Gunners on a free transfer in the summer.

But the Spaniard has been restricted to just three appearances in La Liga this season, with young left-back Alex Balde filling the role instead.

Sergino Dest, meanwhile, is on loan at AC Milan, but Sport also claim the club have no plans for the USA international to be back in contention following the end of his loan spell.

If United do not trigger an option on Dalot's contract, Barcelona can discuss a pre-contract agreement with the player in January - or attempt to buy him outright.

The Portuguese star was described as 'undroppable' by Goal in September, and he would be a major loss for Ten Hag and United if he was to depart the club for pastures new.