Real Madrid are looking ahead to the summer when their recruitment staff are likely to be busier than ever before. A major rebuild is on the cards amid a dissapointing ongoing season that has put many of the squad's futures in doubt.
Alvaro Arbeloa might not even be in charge once the summer transfer window opens as his contract as caretaker manager expires at the end of the season. The Spaniard has come under fire following a disastrous 4-2 loss to Benfica on the last matchday of the Champions League's league phase.
That's not to say he hasn't been handed problems beyond his control including high-profile absentees. Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury troubles have been a massive issue and prevented the English right-back from appearing regularly in his debut campaign.
Real Madrid eyeing Manchester United star
Madrid have been monitoring the Premier League in recent years and that includes keeping tabs on Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese defender has long been on the club's radar although no move has been made.
That could change due to the injury problems that have plagued Los Blancos this season. It's claimed by Fichajes that the La Liga giants are "seriously considering" signing the 26-year-old and that his name has "gained strength in the offices at the Estadio Bernabeu."
Dalot has been a mainstay in the United side this season, appearing 23 times across competitions. He's scored one goal and contributed two assists and has impressed since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim and changed from a back three to a back four.
The Portugal international is more comfortable at full-back rather than a wing-back role he played during Amorim's 14-month reign. It's believed that the Red Devils could be willing to negotiate his potential sale if a proposal matches their valuation.
Dalot also would be open to a potential move to the Bernabeu and he'd find it hard to turn down the challenge. He's been at Old Trafford since the summer of 2018 and made 233 appearances for the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo on what Dalot could bring to Madrid
Dalot played with Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo during his second spell at United in which he found issue with the mentalities of many of his teammates. But his Portuguese compatriot wasn't one of them, and he, in fact, admired his mindset, which tipped him to be a massive success.
Ronaldo told British broadcaster Piers Morgan on TalkTV back in November 2022:
"In Manchester United, I can mention Dalot. He's young but very professional and I don't doubt that he's going to have longevity in football because he's young, smart, intelligent and very professional."
Dalot was on Madrid's radar in late 2024 while Carlo Ancelotti was in charge and he has continued to be watched by the club. He is clever defensively and going forward and could suit Spanish football which isn't as fast paced as the Premier League.