Manchester United have faced a setback in their pursuit of their “priority” midfield target, as Juventus have come to a “preliminary agreement” with the player’s representatives
Manchester United’s focus in the transfer market has been strengthening their frontline for the new Premier League season, an area that needed attention before Alejandro Garnacho’s expulsion from the first-team squad.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee shared the minutes as Rúben Amorim’s centre forward last season, but scored just 17 goals in almost 100 combined appearances. Solving the goalscoring problem had to be at the top of Amorim’s wishlist for the summer transfer window.
While the new additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will help United in this area, Jason Wilcox and the transfer team are still pursuing a new striker to play ahead of Hojlund and Zirkzee. The two new signings will likely play as attacking midfielders, although Cunha did start the final pre-season match in the USA as the No.9.
Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins have been the two main striking targets this summer, after United missed out on Liam Delap at the beginning of the window, but they face competition from Newcastle United, who could be set to lose Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
However, the Red Devils are continuing to pursue other positions as well; Andre Onana’s injury in pre-season has led United to look for a new goalkeeper, and a midfielder target also appears to be on Amorim’s wishlist for the new season.
Juventus make agreement with Hjulmand
Earlier in the transfer window, a report announced that Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP was Amorim’s “priority” midfield target, as he impressed during his time under the Portuguese manager. However, a deal could be too expensive for United, due to his £69 million release clause.
Unfortunately for the United manager, Juventus appeared to have come to a “preliminary agreement” with Hjulmand’s representatives over a potential move this summer, reports Corriere dello Sport. But, the Italian giants are yet to agree on a deal with Sporting after having their initial offer turned down.
Juventus’ initial proposal was a swap deal involving former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, who United have been linked to this summer, but Sporting reportedly turned this down before the Old Lady submitted an official bid.
“Hjulmand is Juve’s top target. Currently at Sporting Lisbon, he is ready to return to Italy after his stint at Lecce, which launched his career and led to the move to Portugal. He’s pushing to join Juventus and has already had a productive discussion with the club’s management.”
It is understood that the Italian club are unwilling to pay Hjulmand’s full release clause, potentially leaving an opportunity for United, but are actively working to agree a deal close to £30 million before the summer transfer window closes.
Luiz could become a late target for United
While the Red Devils have already been linked with a potential move for Douglas Luiz, a deal could reignite later in the transfer window if United are still in the market for a midfielder. His poor season at Juventus could help Wilcox’s negotiations if a deal needs to be completed quickly.
Luiz’s interest is likely to be low as Juventus want to secure a permanent move this summer, but United’s pursuit of Sesko has held them back in other negotiations, likely being the reason why Antony and Jadon Sancho remain at the club for the time being.
However, when United finally agree a deal for a centre forward, their attention could turn to Luiz as he probably won’t have found a move away from Juventus yet. Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro are the current defensive midfielder options, but it appears Amorim wants another body to solidify his options in the middle of the park.
This could be because Toby Collyer could be set for a move away from Old Trafford for the upcoming season. At 21 years old, the former Brighton and Hove Albion youngster needs to be playing regularly, and he could struggle to do this at United next season, with Bruno Fernandes set to play most of the matches in the double pivot.
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