AC Milan are keen to turn Diogo Dalot’s move from Manchester United into a permanent one, but their hopes will depend on them qualifying for the Champions League.
That’s according to Tuttosport, who say the Italian side are keen after the fullback’s start to life at the club.
Dalot joined Milan on loan towards the end of the transfer window, with it clear that his chances at Manchester United would be limited again this season.
Crucially, though, the loan deal does not include a purchase option, with United having resisted that throughout negotiations.
That appears to have been a smart move, with Dalot having impressed at Milan so far, particularly in the Europa League, where he has a goal and an assist in two games.
There’s already been several reports that Milan want to make the move a permanent one, with Gazzetta Dello Sport saying yesterday that they ‘absolutely intend’ to sit down with Manchester United to discuss a deal.
Tuttosport back that up somewhat today and say that Milan are in ‘constant’ contact with Dalot’s entourage while they are also holding ‘frequent’ conversations with United over him.
Because of the absence of a purchase clause, all options are open to the club at present, but it will depend on how they do this season.
Should they qualify for the Champions League, and subsequently boost their coffers, it would give Milan ‘fresh money to invest in the market’.
Thus, the next few months are for laying the groundwork, and that is undoubtedly happening, with Dalot’s Italian representative, Gabriele Giuffrida, ‘weaving the canvas’ with Manchester United to see if there is ‘room for negotiation’.
Whether there is remains to be seen although it is stated their refusal to include a purchase option was a ‘clear sign’ that they want to see how the season goes first before deciding what to do with him.