Real Madrid desperate to sign Man Utd star as 'bargaining chip' revealed

Real Madrid are keen on signing Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, according to reports.

Dalot has enjoyed a successful campaign under Erik ten Hag this season, helping his side climb to third place in the Premier League, just five points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.

A thigh injury drastically hindered his progress, but the Portugal international started consecutive Premier League games on the weekend for the first time since November.

Real Madrid are thought to be seeking a long-term replacement for current right-back Dani Carvajal, who has recently turned 32.

Carlo Ancelotti was originally reported to be targeting Joao Cancelo from Manchester City. However, the versatile full-back's loan move to Bayern Munich has halted their pursuit.

Particularly considering the German giants have an option to purchase the defender at the end of the campaign.

Real Madrid plotting move for Dalot

Spanish publication AS report that Real have identified two ways of luring Dalot to the Bernabeu.

The 23-year-old has just over a year left on his contract at Old Trafford after the club exercised a clause to extend his contract by a further 12 months in the summer. However, Ten Hag is yet to tie him down to a permanent deal.

It is claimed that they could use his contract as a 'bargaining chip to reduce United's asking price'.

Whilst Los Blancos could also wait until 2024, when he would be available as a free agent - a strategy they used in the recent signings of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.

Dalot in 'advanced stages' of contract talks

However, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo recently stated that contract talks between United and Dalot were at an 'advanced stage'.

They claim that the club have put a five-year contract and a financial proposal on the table, with Dalot's agents having been negotiating since the player returned from the World Cup.

Speaking last month, the defender spoke of his desire to remain at Old Trafford (quotes via Daily Mail): "We are in a position to say that we are negotiating and seeing how both parties will benefit, but it is no secret that I am happy to be here, so we will see how things go.

"I love this club and I love to play for this club. Progressively we are in a good direction as a team. For me, this is the most important part and hopefully individually I can continue to help the team as I am doing."