Everton are hoping to make it third time lucky in their pursuit of Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot.
The Toffees tried to sign Dalot on loan in consecutive summer transfer windows but were unable to reach an agreement with United.
Everton were close to landing him last summer but United pulled the plug to avoid strengthening a rival.
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On the penultimate day of the window, Dalot signed on loan for AC Milan.
With the Blues still searching for a new right-back, the Liverpool Echo reports that Dalot is once again on their shortlist.
Norwich City’s Max Aarons is under consideration by Everton while Tariq Lamptey at Brighton has also been watched as the Blues look to finally find a long-term successor to Seamus Coleman.
The 22-year-old Dalot was lauded by former United boss Jose Mourinho as the heir apparent to Gary Neville.
Speaking about the youngster following a clash with Fulham in 2018, he said: “He can follow Neville in this dynamic of more than 10 years as United’s right-back.”
Injuries have stalled his progress since and he has found his game-time limited at the San Siro.
Dalot has made only 18 starts across three competitions with his most consistent run of selections coming in the Europa League.
The Serie A side are believed to be open to the possibility of a permanent deal, with manager Stefano Pioli recently claiming he would become “a complete player”.
However, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said a decision on the defender, who was signed for a reported £19million, would be left until pre-season.
“I’ve been very pleased with his development this season,” said Solskjaer. “He’s our player and we’re looking forward to having him back.”
But with Aaron Wan-Bissaka firmly in place as United’s first-choice right-back, Dalot appears surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
The Echo go on to claim it is Dalot’s versatility and aerial presence in both boxes that appeals to Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The Portuguese defender is also able to play left-back and has appeared 11 times in that position this season.
And at six foot, they say his physicality gives him an edge over Aarons and Lamptey.
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