Man Utd could bring £67m Arsenal target to Old Trafford, he's "particularly appreciated" by Amorim - report
Manchester United could consider a move for Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand this summer, according to Record (page 2).
The Red Devils are likely to make several changes to the squad. A new midfielder could be one of the priorities for the manager.
Casemiro has had a tremendous turnaround in his United career over the last two months and has earned praise from Ruben Amorim.
However, the club still need to look into the future and may want a readymade replacement with Casemiro’s contract due to expire next year.
Hjulmand has been linked with United on several occasions in the past, and Record claim that he is ‘particularly appreciated’ by Amorim.
However, the Red Devils could ‘very likely’ face competition from Arsenal, who have had emissaries watching Sporting CP games this term.
Hjulmand has previously mentioned that the Gunners are his dream destination.
The Dane has a £67 million release clause in his contract, but the Portuguese champions are open to sanctioning his sale for a lesser package.
United’s move for Hjulmand could depend on Champions League football
The Red Devils are in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. A victory will guarantee silverware and qualification for next season’s Champions League.
On the other hand, a defeat would mean that United won’t be playing in Europe altogether next term. That could be a huge blow ahead of the summer transfer window.
The club can recoup funds with player sales. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia could be offloaded following their loan stints.
However, Champions League football would provide a different dimension. United are assured to receive a minimum of £85m if they qualify for the elite club competition.
In our view, the club may not make a huge outlay on a midfielder unless that happens.
Hjulmand would be a superb signing in that case. The 25-year-old was an unknown at Lecce but has developed leaps and bounds to become Sporting CP’s captain.
He has a passing accuracy of 91 percent in the Primeira Liga this season, with 62 percent of his duels won. The midfielder has made almost two tackles per appearance.
Ball control and positioning are Hjulmand’s main strengths. United have not had much of that this campaign. Amorim would surely love to reunite with his former Sporting CP star.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .