Diogo Dalot has warned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he needs regular minutes next season, via the Mirror, amid interest from Everton in a move for the Manchester United defender.
The Portuguese right-back spent last season on loan at AC Milan, but has now returned to Old Trafford. Solskjaer is unlikely to name Dalot as his starting option with Aaron Wan-Bissaka the Norwegian’s first-choice. Luke Shaw is also the number one at left-back.
Stefano Pioli split Dalot’s minutes between the right and left-hand sides of the Rossoneri’s backline last term. Yet while he failed to hold down one role, the 22-year-old impressed, and San Siro chiefs now want him to return, per Fabrizio Romano.
However, Manchester United demand €4-5m (£3.5-4m) plus an option to buy for Milan to re-sign Dalot on loan. The Metro have also reported the Red Devils would accept £18m to sell the Portugal international. Although the Rossoneri only bid £12m after his initial spell.
Everton are paying close attention to Dalot’s ongoing uncertainty at Manchester United, as well. The Athletic note he remains on the Blues’ shortlist, while the Liverpool Echo claimed a bid was possible in March. The Toffees also failed to sign Dalot in both 2019 and 2020.
Now, Dalot has offered Everton Director of Football Marcel Brands hope of finally signing the Manchester United defender. The £25,000-per-week star has warned Solskjaer that he must play regularly next season, knowing he can achieve more than he showed at Milan.
“When I had a season like last season, obviously things start to get more demanding as well,” Dalot said. “I want to keep playing, I want to keep giving everything I have and improve. I know last season was fantastic, but I can do even more.”
Dalot offers Everton hope of Manchester United transfer agreement
Dalot’s warning to Solskjaer will offer Everton hope of finally agreeing terms to sign the defender from Manchester United. Rafa Benitez can offer the 22-year-old the minutes he craves, and will likely not be on offer at Old Trafford.
Wan-Bissaka started 34 Premier League fixtures last season and was consistently a strong defensive presence. Solskjaer will now want the Englishman to improve his offensive contribution. But the arrival of Jadon Sancho could also see Dalot prove to be unneeded.
However, at Everton, Dalot would have a strong chance of starting most weeks against competition from 32-year-old Seamus Coleman. The Toffees captain occupied a lesser role under Carlo Ancelotti last term as his performances proved to be too inconsistent.
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