Manchester United trigger £17.5m release clause of Porto full-back

Manchester United are reportedly on the cusp of signing Porto defender Diogo Dalot after triggering the release clause on his Porto contract. The 19-year-old only made his league debut for Porto in February 2018 but he is now seemingly close to sealing a move to Old Trafford.
According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils are likely to make a transfer announcement in the next few days after having activated the £17.5m release clause attached to the defender’s contract.
Dalot’s name has come as more of a surprise with not much speculation over his progress in the media but United seem to have pursued the Portuguese after a thorough assessment of his performances.
The teenager is capable of featuring on either side of the central defence but judging by United’s necessity, he could be seen as a long-term replacement for experienced right-back Antonio Valencia.
The Ecuador international certainly has a couple of years left in him at the top level but Dalot could provide him with the competition going forward before eventually becoming the first-choice for the position.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Dalot could directly influence the future of Matteo Darmian, who has been leaning towards an Old Trafford exit for a while. Since January, a number of Serie A clubs including Juventus and Roma have enquired over his signature and the Italian could be headed through the exit door at the right price.
United boss Jose Mourinho has genuinely prioritised the defensive and midfield departments during the summer and Dalot’s arrival could only be the start of a summer spending spree.
Aside from a right-back, the Portuguese tactician is also understood to be considering moves for a new left-back and centre-back whilst the midfield could be bolstered by a couple of signings.
Obviously, United are expected to find a replacement for the retired Michael Carrick but Mourinho may push for another midfield signing, should Marouane Fellaini leave at the expiry of his contract next month.