Manchester United are hoping to make a signing before the January transfer deadline but now face a major battle.
The January transfer window is now into its final fortnight and Manchester United fans are still waiting for business.
Ruben Amorim may want new signings but the United budget means this month was always going to be tricky.
United’s poor results – especially at Old Trafford – may just accelerate the push for new signings though.
Diogo Dalot does not look comfortable at left wing back and United may need to bring in a new face there.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes has been linked to United but a different target appears to be emerging.
Manchester United face Patrick Dorgu battle
Reports broke on Monday suggested that United were in talks to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.
The Danish talent has attracted major interest in Italy but United have started a move for his services with Amorim approving the pursuit.
Further reports in Italy highlighted that United faced a battle for Dorgu with four Italian clubs set for talks.
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli and Juventus were all mentioned as being interested in Dorgu.
Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio now claims that Napoli are closing in on a deal for Dorgu.
It’s stated that Napoli and Lecce are ‘very close’ to closing a deal, but there is some hope for United.
The report claims that the ‘scenario would change’ if United offered €40million (£34million) or Dorgu.
United will therefore need to move quickly and may need to be a little creative in terms of meeting that fee.
Departures may be required but Napoli’s attempts to get the deal done quickly now leave United scrambling.
Manchester United can’t match Napoli clause
Di Mazio has also noted that Napoli have offered a key clause in their deal – a loan back to Lecce until the end of the season.
Napoli are seemingly happy just to ensure that Dorgu is theirs for the long term, even if they don’t actually get to use him until next season.
That is a clause United simply can’t match; Dorgu is needed to bolster Amorim’s options right now.
A natural left wing back is required in order to help advance Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and Dorgu is that man.
United have signed Diego Leon in a deal which will only see him arrive next summer, but that has been somewhat forced given that he isn’t 18 yet.
United can’t spend big money on a player who won’t arrive until next summer and that clause may just give Napoli an upper hand – especially as they may well know that United aren’t in a position to match it.
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