Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Diogo Dalot to Manchester United: Porto admit defeat following Jose Mourinho bid
PORTO have reportedly admitted defeat in their efforts to keep Diogo Dalot away from Manchester United.
Manchester United have this evening triggered Dalot’s £17.5m release clause.
The 19-year-old right-back is now free to speak to the Red Devils over a summer transfer.
And Portuguese newspaper O Jogo report that while Porto still have a chance to keep Dalot, the decision is not in their hands.
According to the report, Porto still hope their youngster stays loyal to the club and rejects United’s approach.
Porto are willing to offer Dalot a new contract - with an increased release clause - if he decides to remain.
However, O Jogo claim the Portuguese club can do nothing but hope Dalot shies away from a move abroad.
The Portugal U21 star only made his Porto debut in February but is an emerging talent in the country.
Were he to snub Manchester United and remain at Porto, he would likely demand an immediate wage increase, with a guarantee of first-team football at the Estadio do Dragao.
However, United manager Jose Mourinho may well be able to offer regular football himself, with Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian tipped to leave the club.