Manchester United consider letting go of 26-year-old defender amid interest from Real Madrid: Reports

Real Madrid are eyeing a 2026 deal for Diogo Dalot, and Manchester United are considering parting ways with the defender, according to reports.

Dalot, who joined Manchester United from AC Milan in 2021, has since been a mainstay in the first team at Old Trafford and continues to retain his position in Ruben Amorim’s squad. The 26-year-old has made 14 appearances for the Red Devils this season and has a goal and two assists to his name. His crucial role in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 setup at United has made him a subject of interest outside the club.

According to TEAMtalk, Real Madrid are interested in a deal for Diogo Dalot, and Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is ‘considering selling’ the Portugal international.

The report added that Dalot’s future is being discussed internally by United, as the club have been aware of possible interest in the former Porto man. Wilcox and his team are reportedly happy with Dalot’s performance, but they know that trying to get the player to sign a new deal would require increasing his wage package, so there are early-stage discussions about him.

It is said that Dalot’s versatility is one of the qualities that make him appealing to Real Madrid. Naturally a left-back, Dalot can also play as a right-back, right wing-back, and left wing-back—three positions he has played this season. Dani Carvajal is aging; as such, Los Blancos need younger blood who can compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

In addition to Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich are reportedly also showing interest in Dalot, and United are now assessing whether to retain him or let him go, possibly as soon as next summer. Dalot’s current deal with Manchester United will run out in 2028, but he has an option for a further year.

Manchester United planning to consider offers for 24-year-old midfielder in January – Reports

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are planning to consider offers for Manuel Ugarte in January and will let him leave if they get a considerable offer. Ugarte has struggled for playing time since he arrived at United, with his performances questioned.

So far this season, the Uruguayan midfielder has been an unused substitute five times and has started only two of 15 Premier League matches. Reports emerged in November that United are considering a midfield overhaul when the transfer window opens.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Ugarte is not part of Ruben Amorim's long-term plans, adding that the club are willing to let the 24-year-old leave to raise some money, which will be used to strengthen the squad.

Ugarte joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, and his current deal with the Premier League outfit, which includes an option for a further year, will run out in 2029.