Revealed: How Amorim has internally reacted to Euro giants’ interest in £85k-a-week star amid expected £50m bid

In the event that they’re unable to hash out a deal for first-choice target Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid will reportedly turn their attention to Diogo Dalot.

Indeed, the reigning European champions are adamant about sanctioning the arrival of a proven right-back this month after Dani Carvajal ruptured his ACL during a 2-0 win over Villarreal in October.

Alexander-Arnold remains firmly cemented atop Madrid’s shortlist, so much so that they tested the waters with a bid – thought to be in the region of £20 million – this week. His contract with his boyhood club expires this summer and, as it stands, he has shown no indication of signing fresh terms.

As expected, the offer was swiftly rebuffed by Liverpool, who insist the 26-year-old is entirely off-limits this month.

Madrid view Dalot as a suitable Alexander-Arnold alternative

While Madrid mull over another bid, they’re also considering sending one United’s way. 

It’s not the first time they’ve been linked with Dalot, and given that reports are already circulating in the first days of the window being open, it may well become something of a transfer saga over the coming weeks.

Peter Hall of i Sport claims the La Liga giants are ‘plotting’ a £50m proposal for Dalot this month, with hopes of solving their right-back crisis once and for all and avoiding waiting for Alexander-Arnold to make his mind up.

Ruben Amorim views the Portugal star as an ‘important part’ of his squad, which has reflected in the fact he’s started – and played the full 90 minutes – all eight Premier League games since the new head coach took the reins in November.

Dalot, 25, is tied to Old Trafford until 2028. He signed an extension back in May 2023, yet remains on a modest £85,000 per week – despite being one of the side’s most integral starters.

There remain doubts over whether he’s the calibre of defender United can rely on amidst their hopes of returning to a title-chasing side. As it stands, Amorim certainly seems to think so.