Roma director Tiago Pinto has this week refused to rule out a January transfer window swoop for out-of-favour Manchester United starlet Diogo Dalot.

The Italian giants have been linked with the United full-back ever since the arrival of Jose Mourinho in the dugout during the summer.

Mourinho worked closely with Dalot, 22, during his stint at Old Trafford and once boldly labelled his compatriot ‘the best young full-back in Europe’ and talked up his talents both on and off the ball.

Mourinho was responsible for bringing Dalot to England for a fee just short of £20million, though the youngster’s career in the Premier League remains yet to take off.

Now, with speculation of a Roma move reaching new heights, Roma chief Pinto has added further fuel to the fire by refusing to publicly rule out a move for Dalot – though has however admitted it will be difficult due to the nature of the window.

When asked about a potential move specifically for Dalot, the Serie A side’s director said he would not be talking about individual players from other clubs.

‘I don’t like talking about players from other clubs, I don’t like talking publicly about transfer strategies,’ he told Sky Italy.

‘On the market, we cannot create great expectations for January because we all know what the January market is like.’

Speaking recently about his own future, Dalot had revealed to the Telegraph that he had no intention of leaving United, even after his successful stint in Serie A last season on loan with AC Milan.

Dalot even went on to face his employers in the competition, and put in an impressive performance against United at Old Trafford, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer watching on.

Dalot said: ‘That is why I knew last season was massive for me. My body was feeling those changes and when I went to Milan it was perfect to balance everything and return to this season.

‘That is why I wanted to stay here, fight for games and be an important player for the team.’

This season though the Portuguese star has found himself behind £50m man Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and remains short of game time.

He has made just six appearances for United so far this term, with only one start coming in the Premier League.