Real Madrid 'make contact' with Man United star Ruben Amorim already loves

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot is reportedly a player Real Madrid could target as a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal.

The 25-year-old Portugal international signed for United from FC Porto in 2018 during Jose Mourinho's time at Old Trafford and later spent the 2020-21 season on loan at AC Milan to mature into a first-choice defender for the Reds.

Since returning to Old Trafford in 2021, Dalot has made 143 appearances for the club across all competitions and has already caught the eye of new head coach Ruben Amorim.

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But according to Spanish publication Relevo, European and La Liga champions Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Dalot, though it is claimed that any negotiations for United to part ways with the defender would begin at roughly £40m. It is also reported that Madrid have previously made contact with Dalot's agency.

Dalot, who arrived at United for roughly £20m, is one of several right-backs Madrid are said to be targeting to replace Carvajal, with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold heavily linked with a move to the Spanish capital when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Asked about Dalot over the weekend, Amorim said: "He is very powerful. Sometimes we have to rotate him because he always seems fresh, but that is not the case, he is not a machine!

"I think he plays better on the right, and we will manage to put him there, he is a very good player. He can play on both sides and a player like that today is perfect. I expect the same Dalot as last year. He is a team player, you can see that in the way he plays."