Manchester United are expected to sign Porto right-back Diogo Dalot after activating the €20 million (A$ 31 million) release clause in his contract.
An announcement is due within the next few days as manager Jose Mourinho steps up his efforts to strengthen United's defence in an effort to close the gap on Manchester City following a trophyless campaign.
Manchester United.
Photo: AP
Dalot is due to be the first signing of an expected busy summer of trading at Old Trafford, with United also in the market for a left-back, among other positions.
Dalot has agreed personal terms with the club and should push captain Antonio Valencia hard for a place in the first team.
The 19-year-old broke into the Porto first team only this season and played out of position at left-back during the Champions League tie away to Liverpool. He has made only a handful of first-team appearances, but is regarded as having great potential.
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Porto accept that they have to sell, with the release clause having been met and Dalot's contract expiring next year.
United have moved quickly amid interest in Dalot from clubs including Juventus, Napoli, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Porto are understood to have turned down bids below Dalot's release clause last year.
Dalot has been described as a modern full-back who is comfortable in attack, with good delivery and an eye for goal, and has operated in midfield. He joined Porto's academy in 2008, won the 2016 European Championship with Portugal Under-17s, and played in the Under-20 World Cup the following year.
Mourinho lacks faith in United's right-back options beyond Valencia, who is 32 and needs back-up for his position to allow him to be rotated. Dalot is expected to be given first-team opportunities, with Mourinho clearing out players such as Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind to make way for further recruits.
United are in advanced talks to sign Brazil midfielder Fred from the Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk for an initial £44 million (A$ 78 million), which could rise to £50 million (A$ 89 million) with add-ons. The club are also pursuing Belgium's Toby Alderweireld, who is expected to leave Tottenham Hotspur for around £50 million.
Ideally, Mourinho would want both deals secured before the players go to the World Cup next month.
It is expected that United will make around five signings this summer, with a raft of players, including probably Marouane Fellaini, leaving as Mourinho revamps his squad.
United will also continue to monitor Gareth Bale's future at Real Madrid, having previously informed his representatives that they would like to be involved in any discussion over his future, should he decide to leave.
However, the signing of Alexis Sanchez has limited the funds available to strengthen in forward positions and Mourinho has earmarked defence as a priority.
The Telegraph, London
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