If the report from Liverpool Echo is believed to be true, Everton would try to be third-time lucky on Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot. The Toffees failed to bring him in previous summers but are likely to reignite interest once more upon his return to Old Trafford from AC Milan.
The young Portuguese secured a £19m move to United back in the summer of 2018. He was rated highly at Porto for his attacking awareness as well as defensive composure which convinced Jose Mourinho to secure the services of the youngster.
“In his age group, he is the best full-back in Europe. He is an extremely talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club. He has all the attributes that a full-back needs: physicality, tactical intelligence and technical quality, combined with a Porto academy mentality which prepares players for the maturity they need at the professional level.”
Revealed the then Red Devils chief following Dalot’s arrival.
However, the 22-year-old found his minutes limited under Ole Gunnar Solskjær as the Norwegian completed a mega-money swoop for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He was allowed to join the Rossoneri last summer to enjoy first-team football and Stefano Pioli, the Milan chief, has handed him 24 appearances so far across competitions. Although a right fullback, Dalot has often been switched down the left and his adaptability must have impress Ancelottied who needs defensive reinforcements to add depth.
Why Dalot Would Boost The Everton Backline
The ever-growing injury problems of Seamus Coleman forced the gaffer to deploy Mason Holgate on the right. The centre-half has done well so far in the makeshift right-back role, but the fitness woes and erroneous outings of Yerry Mina have left the Toffees with Micahel Keane and Ben Godfrey as the only two stable central defensive options. They might grab a place in Europe next season and the lack of depth deep down the pitch would trouble them in dealing with fixture congestion.
Everton, therefore, should step up the chase for the Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot to bolster their backline. He would challenge and cover both Lucas Digne and Coleman allowing Holgate to reclaim a place in the heart of defence. Meanwhile, his arrival would send Jonjoe Kenny further down the pecking order and the 24-year-old, currently on loan at Celtic, might have to part ways on permanent terms to script a new chapter elsewhere.
