Benfica’s Alvaro Fernandez is one option Manchester United will consider in their search for wing-backs.
It only took one game in charge as Manchester United head coach before Ruben Amorim demanded a new left wing-back was signed in January.
After two rejected bids, United have readied a third Patrick Dorgu bid with the Lecce defender emerging as a top target for the Red Devils.
One alternative option United have considered is triggering the buy-back clause for Alvaro Fernandez, who sealed a permanent £5m move to Benfica last summer.
Fernandez impressed against Barcelona last week in what was the latest of several impressive performances from the 21-year-old. Despite the interest in Dorgu, United have reached out to Alvaro Fernandez’s camp this month.
Alvaro Fernandez’s stance on re-joining Man United
Dorgu’s move to United appears imminent, but there is no guarantee that Lecce will accept the third bid. The club’s back-up plan is to move for Fernandez if the Dorgu talks stall.
That is the view of transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who spoke exclusively to United in Focus about United’s pursuit of Fernandez.
Bailey explained that United have contacted Fernandez’s camp to inform him that the club will consider bringing him back. However, that move is only realistic if the Dorgu deal collapses.
On top of that, Bailey explained that Fernandez is not entirely convinced by a move back to Manchester after failing to break into United’s plans during his time at the club.
According to The Athletic, it would cost United £15.1m to bring Fernandez back to Old Trafford – but a deal would also require the player to agree personal terms.
Man United are confident about £31m Patrick Dorgu bid
United are running out of time with only four days remaining in the January transfer window, but a deal for Dorgu does appear to be close to completion.
Reports suggest United are confident about signing Dorgu with Fabrizio Romano claiming a deal could be agreed within the next 48 hours.
Bailey has revealed to United in Focus that the third bid submitted for Dorgu is worth £31m.
United always thought they could sign Dorgu for less than Lecce’s €40m valuation and there is a growing confidence that this third bid will be enough for both parties to agree.
Personal terms have never been an issue with Dorgu open to joining Ruben Amorim’s project in Manchester.
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