Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot is attracting firm interest from Real Madrid, believes transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Spanish giants have been linked with the 23-year-old, and Jones thinks there is something in the speculation.

GiveMeSport Transfer News

GiveMeSport Transfer News

What is the latest news involving Dalot?

According to the Daily Mirror, Dalot has emerged as a target for Real Madrid.

The outlet states that the Champions League holders have turned to the Portuguese full-back after being told that his compatriot, Manchester City's Joao Cancelo, is not for sale.

Dalot is out of contract at the end of the season, making him a much easier deal to do. If Real Madrid want to sign him before then, though, they could run into a problem.

Back in June, the reliable Fabrizio Romano told GIVEMESPORT that United manager Erik ten Hag "really likes" the player, so the Red Devils may be reluctant to let him go in January.

What has Jones said about Dalot and Real Madrid?

Jones thinks Real Madrid do have some interest in Dalot but is not sure if a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu would be a good move for him.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "The links to Real Madrid keep popping up, so I'm sure that there is some firm interest there. But you have to consider how difficult it is to succeed at Madrid.

"You're putting yourself back in a situation where you're not necessarily going to always be in that team, so there's a lot to think about for Dalot when it comes to the end of this season."

Should Dalot join Carlo Ancelotti's side if the opportunity arises?

It depends. Real Madrid are arguably the biggest club in the world and continue to challenge for the most prestigious honours in football. It is hard for any player to turn them down.

If Dalot is guaranteed minutes, then it is probably a no-brainer. If not, however, then he is much better off staying at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international is finally getting regular starts there, with Ten Hag relying on him heavily in the Premier League this season. Does he really want to throw that away for Real Madrid's bench?

With less than 12 months remaining on his contract, Dalot, who joined United for £19m (via BBC Sport) from Porto over four years ago, certainly has a big decision to make.

Of course, the Red Devils can take that out of his hands given that they do have the option to extend his current deal by another year. If they do not, however, it looks like a move to Real Madrid next summer could be possible.