AC Milan and Manchester United have kick-started negotiations for Diogo Dalot’s permanent switch to Serie A, say reports in England.
According to the Metro, the Rossoneri have tabled a £12 million to buy the Portuguese full-back outright.
Dalot joined Milan on a season-long loan last summer following underwhelming two years at Old Trafford and has since excelled in Italy.
The 22-year-old has registered 24 appearances in all competitions this season as Stefano Pioli’s utility man.
His bursting runs forward have earned him two goals and two assists, and high acclaim from the manager.
Comfortable with playing on either flank, Dalot has deputised for both Theo Hernandez on the left and Davide Calabria on the right.
Although Milan initially refused to consider signing the Portuguese starlet permanently due to United’s asking price, they now seem ready to negotiate the transfer.
However, the Italians’ first offer already falls £7m short of what the Red Devils forked out to bring Dalot from Porto in 2018.
At this point, it looks more likely to serve as a statement of intent to establish a line of dialogue between the two parties.
The prospect of Dalot’s return to Manchester remains on the cards, especially following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assessment of the player.
In the build-up to United’s Europa League last-16 clash against Milan, the Norwegian threw the versatile defender an Old Trafford lifeline.
“The plan was always for Diogo this season, or the main thing for Diogo was to be fit,” he said (as per The Mirror). “He never managed to be fit for a long spell when he was here and was unfortunate with injuries.
“Now he has kept fit all season; he has been available for them (AC Milan). He is playing at a big club, big expectations. So it has been a good year for him.
“So, of course, I have been very pleased with his development this season, and he is our player, and we are looking forward to having him back.”
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