Manchester United are believed to be working hard on a new deal to extend the stay of Diogo Dalot at Old Trafford despite interest coming from Barcelona.

What's the latest?

The Portuguese right-back is currently missing from Erik ten Hag's squad, however, this is not down to his ongoing contract situation.

Dalot is currently suffering from a hamstring issue which has seen him miss a number of games now including the last-minute defeat against Arsenal on Sunday.

He has now missed six (one through suspension) of the last seven Premier League games as speculation grows surrounding possible interest from Barcelona.

However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has suggested the Red Devils are working tirelessly to tie down their 23-year-old to a new deal:

"So at the moment, he's not going to leave, of course on a free in summer 2023. But it's also important to mention that Manchester United are really pushing to extend his contract. There have been meetings with his agents, there will be new contacts and so Manchester United are working on this contract extension."

Long-term option

Prior to his injury issue, Dalot had become a regular feature in Ten Hag's side with 13 starts from the opening 13 Premier League games under the Dutch manager (via Transfermarkt).

United were potentially at risk of losing the right-back on a free this summer but have recently triggered a clause in his deal to extend his stay by another year.

However, as Romano suggests, the aim is to tie him down to an extended deal which could see him become the long-term option at right-back for Ten Hag.

In his place, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has stepped in and has averaged more tackles per 90 than Dalot, however, the Portuguese right-back has outperformed Wan-Bissaka in an attacking sense (via Fbref).

Dalot has provided United with more shot-creating actions, more passes and more touches in the attacking third per game than his English alternative.

And Wan-Bissaka will not have done his chances of a regular spot in the starting XI any good against the Gunners after switching off for Arsenal's first equaliser of the night.

But as for Dalot, it is apparent he is a player who has won the trust of Ten Hag since his arrival at Old Trafford with the Dutchman praising him back in November following a Europa League game:

“I hope Diogo keeps progressing, so not only sticking to this level," he said.

“Our approach, our philosophy, is that good is not good enough. We have to do better. But we're happy with the development and the performances of Diogo, that's quite clear."

With interest coming from the likes of Barcelona, it does seem as if United could have a really dependable option on their hands and tieing him down to a new deal could be the wisest option for the future.