Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot this January transfer window.
The Portuguese player is a consistent name in new manager and fellow compatriot Ruben Amorim‘s starting XI but has been playing out of position on the left flank pretty much non-stop due to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s continued injury issues.
However, with Madrid looking to urgently sign a new fullback to fill in for a crucial absentee of their own in Dani Carvajal, a few names have been shortlisted as cover.
Although Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is being linked most heavily, the Premier League leaders have rejected the La Liga giants’ advances thus far and it is believed that Dalot could be second choice.
Real Madrid are desperate for a right-back after Dani Carvajal’s injury, hence the Trent bid now.
As reported last month, if, and likely when, any move for Trent fails, Diogo Dalot is another on their list. #MUFChttps://t.co/00QY7i6sPB
As per The i Paper sport writer, Peter Hall, the 25-year-old right-back is one of a few players being eyed up by Carlo Ancelotti’s side if Los Blancos fail to sweet-talk Alexander-Arnold.
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The Liverpool and England international has long been admired by the club along with most big European teams over the past few years, but Merseyside’s homegrown talent – known for his incredible vision, passing range and strength on set pieces – has seemingly been playing down transfer talk.
With Carvajal confirmed to be out for the season following surgery on a ruptured cruciate ligament, Madrid need to sign a back-up this month, and given that Trent is currently on track for his second league title, any chance they stand probably wouldn’t even come close to materialising until the summer.
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Taking that into account, the Madrid board will likely have to look elsewhere for a right-back for now and with Dalot having played a wing-back both at United and on loan at Milan as well as an out-and-out winger during his youth at Porto, he could is considered a good utility fit in the meantime.
The outlet goes on to claim that they are plotting a potential £50 million move for the attack-minded defender should if/when their pursit of Alexander-Arnold ends.
As for whether United would be willing to let him go given how short they are in defence and that position, specifically, that remains to be seen. Known for his characteristic beating of the badge with his fist towards the fans each game, it’s also worth noting that Dalot seems fairly at home in Manchester.
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He recently visited the Classic Football Shirts shop in Northern Quarter for an episode of Ellis Platten’s Away Days.
Another element that could factor into whether or not this transfer link goes anywhere is Man United’s own financial position and fissures in the squad at present.
In fact, the billionaire is continue his spree of cost-cutting measures around Old Trafford and Carrington, having upped remaining tickets prices for this season, made over 250 staff redundant and even targeted the United Foundation most recently, cutting funding for what is a crucial charity arm in the community.
None of these decision have proved particualry popular; on the other hand, the sale of Dalot for the fee reported could not only help keep in line with PSR (profit and sustainability rules) but could maybe even help fund a move for, say, a new full-back or two.
Alternatively, there have been calls from fans to sign yet another another forward in light of their evident lack of goals this season – namely a former player of Amorim, in particular.
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Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres is one of the most in-form goalscorers on the planet right now and were his former coach given the opportunity to snap him up, he surely wouldn’t hesitate – not that the 26-year-old is adding any fuel to the fire.
Once again, though, serious funds would need to be gathered in order to make a move for the Swedish striker and even the supposed £50 for Dalot would only be a dent in the final figure.
What about you, Reds: would you accept an offer from Madrid for Dalot; would you reinvest it straight back into the squad and, if so, whereabouts on the pitch?
Featured Images — NBC Sports (screenshot via YouTube)
Sport
Nearly 40 fans arrested after city centre clashes and Old Trafford chaos during Man United vs Rangers
Danny Jones
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Dozens of fans were arrested following numerous clashes at Old Trafford and in central Manchester before, during and after Man United’s game against Rangers this week.
The Red Devils took on the Scottish side in a crucial Europa League fixture on Thursday night, with nearly 4,000 Glaswegians making the trip down to Manchester.
After reports of violence and disorder in the city centre a couple of hours before kick-off, there were also said to be issues regarding Rangers supporters trying to enter the ground with fake tickets as well as instances of ‘tragedy chanting’ regarding club disasters.
Worse still, further chaos was sparked after away fans infiltrated the home end, with security and actions from stewards being criticised around the stadium.
I can’t quite believe how many Rangers fans were in the home end at Old Trafford last night…
Saw Rangers fans drinking from glass bottles in the stand, smoking, later throwing bottles, fighting, one doing airplane arms. Had to help a dad shield his little girl to get her out safely. Kids terrified round us. So badly managed tonight. pic.twitter.com/7Sz59Jp8Iv
Sharing an update on Friday morning, Greater Manchester Police detailed that a 450-strong officer presence saw a total of 39 arrests made in connection with the fixture.
26 were detained for violent disorder after fighting broke out around Ancoats at approximately 6pm as the Rangers fans were being prepared for their escort towards Old Trafford.
Other arrests included drug offences, drunk and disorderly behaviour, tragedy chanting, as well as assaulting a steward inside the ground.
There were also continued problems regarding general safety, organisation and queuing around the turnstiles, which has been a recurring issue at the footballing arena of late, with many fans struggling to make it into the ground in time for kick-off.
Although the away fan presence was clearly an exacerbating factor, many United fans have once again called out the club for failing to address the issue which saw added congestion not only around the concourse but even in the stands in this instance.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, match commander for the game, said: “These high-profile fixtures are always exciting occasions, but they also naturally present challenges to ensure that the thousands of spectators can enjoy the game safely and to minimise disruption for the wider public.
“Last night, we did see some incidents before the game which required a prompt response from our officers to prevent any further disorder and harm. Arrests were made and further disorder was prevented.
“An operation like this takes weeks, if not months, of planning with both clubs and all our local partners. Generally, the crowds have been really well-behaved and the vast majority have had a safe and enjoyable time watching the game in Manchester.”
United went on to narrowly win the game in the 11th hour thanks to a stoppage-time goal from captain Bruno Fernandes to spare their blushes but with lots of tough results and unpopular decisions happening around the club, they’ll need more than a last-gasp 2-1 win over Rangers to improve the atmosphere.
Manchester City complete the signing of highly-rated forward Omar Marmoush
Danny Jones
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Manchester City have completed their third signing of the January transfer window as Omar Marmoush is officially a blue.
Joining Man City from Eintracht Frankfurt on a deal said to be worth around £59 million, he arrives at the Etihad just 48 hours after new defensive duo Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis were also revealed.
Agreeing to a four-and-a-half-year contract, Marmoush was the second-highest scorer in this current Bundesliga campaign (15), boasting 20 goals and 14 assists across all competitions already, so City fans can certainly expect plenty of attacking threat.
The fast and dynamic forward has mainly been deployed as a striker for Frankfurt but can play as inserted winger on either flank, giving Pep Guardiola‘s side another option.
Donning one of football’s most iconic shirts with the number seven (which has been vacant ever since Joao Cancelo left the club), the 25-year-old landed in Manchester with plenty of excitement as City were by no means the only Premier League outfit looking to secure his services.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool were said to be monitoring his situation as one of the most sought-after targets in Europe – the latter obviously rumoured to have expressed a vested interest given the impending departure of their talisman, Mo Salah.
‘The Egyptian King’ has been one of if not the best player in the league this season with 18 goals and a baker’s dozen assists so far but informed the leaders in this year’s title race that this would be his last year at the club.
Those sentimental enough amongst the red half of Merseyside were naturally hoping his compatriot Marmoush might make an ideal replacement and follow in the 32-year-old’s footsteps for the years to come, but the blue half of Manchester seem to have led the chase right from the off.
Nevertheless, Salah has more than left his mark on English football and his fellow national teammate has already been given the perfect nickname.
Speaking in his first interview as a City player, Marmoush said: “Representing my country at a big club like this was something I always dreamed of. [Now] my dreams are becoming a reality of being [the first Egyptian] at Manchester City and I hope I can keep up this level.
“The Premier League is for us in Egypt the biggest league and the most followed league because of my team-mates like Mo Salah and other Egyptian players that have played in the Premier League.
“Most of the players growing up, our dream is to be here and that is why it makes me so happy that I am here to reach this beautiful league.”
Elsewhere at the club, a loan deal for Kyle Walker to join AC Milan with an option to buy also looks to be all but done. Happy with the transfer business done so far, Blues?
Danny Jones -
2nd January 2025 
