Barcelona boss Xavi has reportedly made Manchester United star Diogo Dalot his 'priority' transfer target.
The Blaugrana were heavily active in the summer transfer window despite their ongoing financial restraints. A right-back was among Xavi's list of desired targets, with Barcelona eventually signing Hector Bellerin on a free transfer following his release by Arsenal.
Bellerin has barely featured since, though, and has only seemingly been brought in as cover for first choice Sergi Roberto after Sergino Dest was allowed to join AC Milan on loan. New signing Jules Kounde can also play in the position but it is thought Xavi is keen to land a long-term option, with Dalot his prime target.
The 23-year-old has worked his way back into the starting XI at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag, though it is thought the United manager is still open to bringing in a new right-back in the near future. Dest was among those linked with a switch to United in the summer before Ten Hag ultimately settled on sticking with Dalot and back-up Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Manchester Evening News report Dalot is keen to stay at United and wants to extend his current contract, but the club are yet to begin negotiations. Meanwhile, Spanish publication Sport (via Sport Witness ) claim Barcelona have 'made a lot of progress' in their pursuit of the Portuguese international.
Dalot's current deal is due to expire at the end of the season but United hold the option to extend it by a further year. They could be open to a sale in the summer, however, if Ten Hag feels Dalot is not the ideal option to fulfil the role going forward.
This summer would represent the best time for United to offload Dalot if they first extend his deal by a year in order to recoup some kind of fee. Barcelona spent their transfer budget on other targets during the summer but could return over the coming months with more funds expected to be available.
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That could even be as early as the January window after club president Joan Laporta confirmed he would back Xavi in the market. "We are working with the coach, the technical secretariat, and the director of football for this winter market," Laporta said.
"We have been analysing things for some time and the team will be improved if we have the chance to do so."
Sport reported Barcelona want a right-back and a defensive midfielder as their next priority targets. With Sergio Busquets set to depart at the end of the season, central midfield has been identified as one of the team's 'weak spots'.
They do have Frenkie de Jong who can play in the holding position but his future at Barcelona still looks uncertain. The Dutchman recently hit out at "lies" regarding his salary whilst claiming Barcelona tried to push him out of the club in the summer amid interest and offers from United.
