Manchester United are now hoping to make at least one signing during the January transfer window but Ineos have some work to do.
We actually expected the January window to pass by fairly quietly for Manchester United.
A few outgoings for fringe players was the most we anticipated as Ruben Amorim ruled out January moves.
The potential departures are starting to ramp up though; Antony is set for Real Betis and Napoli are chasing Alejandro Garnacho.
That could help United bring in a new signing with Amorim unsurprisingly targeting a new left wing back.
Diogo Dalot just isn’t comfortable in that role and a more natural option on that left side could really aid United’s progress.
Manchester United bid rejected
United’s top target at left wing back has become clear.
Reports on Monday suggested that United have held talks to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.
The Danish sensation is not the finished product but United have been attracted to his huge potential.
Dorgu is only 20 but has already racked up more than 50 Serie A appearances.
Footage showed United’s chief negotiator Matt Hargreaves in Italy for talks over Dorgu on Tuesday but no deal is in place.
Fabrizio Romano claim that United have lodged a formal bid for Dorgu worth €27million (£23million) plus add-ons.
Lecce have rejected that offer and are sticking to their asking price of €40million (£34million) for Dorgu, who has been praised as ‘incredible’ by teammate Nikola Krstovic, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.
United therefore have a gap to bridge in negotiations but Romano adds that Dorgu is ‘keen on the move’.
More talks will follow in an attempt to agree a deal, though United may have to be quick with Napoli chasing a deal for Dorgu too.
Lecce teammate on Patrick Dorgu future
United may well see Dorgu as the long-term future at left wing back despite already striking a deal in that area.
Cerro Porteno’s Diego Leon has signed for United but is certainly more of a project than Dorgu.
The hope is that United can strike a deal with Lecce, and Dorgu’s future certainly appears to be a subject of conversation inside the club.
Lecce midfielder Thorir Helgason, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb, has admitted that Dorgu has given him some indications about his future – but they will remain private for now.
“He told me something, but it’s best to keep it between me and him,” said Helgason.
Romano’s claim that Dorgu fancies the move to United leaves us to believe that the Dane has made that wish clear to teammates such as Helgason; it’s now down to United to actually strike a deal.
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