Manchester United are one of two Premier League clubs that could now face a major battle in landing a talented midfield player this summer, according to reports.
Ruben Amorim is preparing ahead for the 2025-26 Premier League campaign at Old Trafford amid the Red Devils’ pre-season tour and the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils’ pre-season campaign began last week and Manchester United and Leeds United played out an uneventful 0-0 draw at the Strawberry Arena in Sweden.
United will begin the next phase of their pre-season summer tour later this week, with the Red Devils travelling to the United States for three friendly matches.
Ruben Amorim has already received a major boost ahead of the visit to the States after United finally landed Bryan Mbeumo from Premier League side Brentford.
Man Utd have now seen Serie A outfit Juventus withdraw from the race to sign Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand
Morten Hjulmand became Sporting CP captain during Ruben Amorim’s reign at the Estadio Jose Alvalade and has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new midfielder this summer and the 26-year-old Danish midfielder fits the profile for Amorim’s tactical system at United.
United target Morten Hjulmand is under contract with Sporting CP until 2028 and the Primeira Liga champions are playing hardball over any interest for their club skipper.
According to A Bola, Juventus have withdrawn from the race to sign the Sporting midfielder after their transfer bid worth between €30m and €40m was turned down.
The Portuguese newspaper reports that Sporting ‘sent a signal to the market’ after Juventus’ failed approach for Hjulmand and the club ‘don’t want to let the player’ leave.
Man Utd and Man City both on the receiving end of Sporting CP’s transfer stance over former Juventus target Morten Hjulmand
Morten Hjulmand has also emerged on the transfer radar of Manchester City and the Denmark and Sporting CP midfielder will not come cheap for any club this summer.
Sporting have a £69m (€80m) release clause inserted into the Manchester City-linked midfielder’s current contract and are holding out for a big-money offer.
A Bola claims that both United and City were the ‘main recipients’ of a key message from Sporting, with the Primeira Liga side showing no intention of selling the player.
The outlet added that only an offer of £69m or ‘thereabouts’ could tempt Sporting to allow Hjulmand, who is viewed as a ‘highly sought-after player on the market,’ to leave.
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