Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot is reportedly considering a surprise exit from the club despite his impressive start to the campaign.
The 23-year-old has firmly cemented himself as Erik ten Hag's first-choice right-back since the Dutchman took over, with Dalot starting in all but one Premier League game so far this season. He missed the 2-1 win over Fulham just before the international break through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card against Aston Villa.
Ten Hag is a huge fan of Dalot and praised the Portugal international following their 1-0 win over West Ham United back in October. The former Ajax boss claimed that Dalot is "progressing" and added that "we're happy with the development and the performances of Diogo, that's quite clear."
However, Sport believe that Barcelona could have a chance to sign the full-back thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's dramatic exit from Old Trafford. The report adds that Barcelona have been tracking the player's development for 'some time' and his performances at the World Cup has now perked up their interest.
Although Dalot's current deal runs out next summer, United have an option to extend that by a year and keep him at the club until 2024. But the Red Devils are preparing to offer Dalot a new deal following his excellent start to the season, with Ten Hag keen to keep him in Manchester for the foreseeable future.
This would give Dalot a major headache over deciding his future, with the defender apparently 'welcome to a change of scenery'. Ronaldo, who left the Red Devils by mutual consent, was one of Dalot's 'main allies' at United and his departure may sway the right-back to leave the club.
Dalot and Ronaldo formed a close relationship during their time at United, and the pair played together for Portugal at the World Cup. Fernando Santos' side bowed out of the competition with a 1-0 defeat against Morocco on Saturday evening. Dalot started the game, while Ronaldo came on as a second-half substitute.
It is understood United are resistant to part ways with Dalot in January, meaning a potential deal for the player would be more likely next summer, when his contract is due to expire. Barcelona are in search of a new right-back, with Hector Bellerin entering the twilight of his career, while Sergino Dest departed the club in August to join Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo's exit from Old Trafford came after he conducted a controversial interview with Piers Morgan. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner criticised a number of things, including Ten Hag, the Glazers and Wayne Rooney in an explosive exchange - just over a week before the start of the World Cup in Qatar.
United considered all outcomes after the interview and revealed in a statement that Ronaldo had agreed to leave the club by mutual consent, 15 months after returning to Old Trafford from Juventus. During his time at the Red Devils, Ronaldo scored 145 goals in 346 appearances across two spells.
