Fabrizio Romano provides positive Manchester United contract update on talks with star player

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot is close to agreeing a new contract to stay at the club, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Dalot's current deal expires in the summer of 2024, with United having triggered an optional one-year extension in December to prevent the right-back from leaving on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign.

The defender worked his way into the United side under Erik ten Hag, and was a key player in the first part of the campaign.

He has competed with Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the right-back position since the former Crystal Palace defender's return after the World Cup, but has still made 25 Premier League appearances this term.

United have been in talks with the Portuguese defender since the World Cup over a new deal, with Barcelona and AC Milan among the clubs monitoring his situation.

But the optional year's extension bided the club some time to agree a new contract - and Romano claims they are a step closer.

Romano on Dalot contract

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained: "The defender is now back in advanced talks to extend his contract at Manchester United.

"The negotiation is going very well, from what I understand, and it is progressing to crucial stages.

"This is something that Manchester United had already started to do after the World Cup. Now, the conversation is going very well.

"The idea of Manchester United is to continue with Diogo Dalot. This is their priority. We also know they have to clarify the situation of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was on the market in January then did very well in the second part of the season.

"But for Dalot, nothing has changed. The idea is to continue with Manchester United, and negotiations are ongoing over a contract extension."

Furthermore, Romano added that talks are continuing with Marcus Rashford and David de Gea over new deals.

De Gea's contract expires this summer, and Romano previously told GiveMeSport that United were 'very, very close' to agreeing fresh terms with the goalkeeper, who has been at Old Trafford for 12 years.