Report: Brands blow as ‘excellent’ Everton-linked ace issues summer plan, he’s ‘example for everyone’

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Diogo Dalot has told Manchester United he wants to return to AC Milan, according to TuttoMercatoWEB, despite interest from Everton.

The Portuguese right-back spent last season on loan at the San Siro and is now waiting to receive the green light to extend his stay. He is ready to don the Rossoneri strip again next term after carefully assessing all of his options.

Dalot’s plans perfectly align with those of Milan, who had already asked Manchester United to extend his season-long loan. The Serie A outfit and the 22-year-old are now waiting to hear what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans are.

Dalot convinced everyone at Milan last season, from the management to coach Stefano Pioli, to seek an extension. He only started 10 of 21 Serie A appearances but provided a versatile option on either side of the defence.

The Porto product also earned his maiden inclusion in the Portugal squad after replacing Joao Cancelo for Euro 2020. The Manchester City star was forced to isolate after testing positive for coronavirus two days before their opener against Hungary.

Dalot returning to Milan for another season will come as a blow to Everton, who had been assessing a move. The Liverpool Echo state he has been on the Toffees’ radar since 2019 as a potential Seamus Coleman heir.

Everton’s interest in Dalot has extended past the manager, as well. Marcel Brands was in agreement with both Marco Silva and Carlo Ancelotti to pursue deals in the previous summer windows.

The Goodison Park side believed they were close to a deal for Dalot last year. But the Red Devils pulled the plug to avoid strengthening a potential rival for the top Premier League places.

TBR’s view: Dalot deals Everton transfer blow

Everton returning to Manchester United to sign Dalot for a third-year running would have hinged on Ancelotti’s replacement. But the Portuguese deciding that his immediate future remains in Milan will come as a blow given the Toffees’ interest.

Everton have a long-standing admiration of the physicality Dalot can bring to Goodison Park at right-back. He would also have offered the height in the position Ancelotti was thought to admire in his potential Coleman successors.

Milan boss Pioli also described Dalot as a ‘winner’ to O Jogo in April, as his ‘excellent’ behaviour makes him ‘an excellent example for everyone’.

And with Brighton also demanding around £50million to sell Everton-linked full-back Tariq Lamptey, per the Daily Mail, Dalot could have been an option that Brands explored once again.