7 months ago
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Manchester United are closely monitoring Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand ahead of a possible move in the summer transfer window.
Hjulmand, 24, joined Sporting from Serie A outfit Lecce last summer and has made an immediate impression in Lisbon, making 40 appearances in all competitions and boasting the third-most minutes in Ruben Amorim’s entire squad.
In the Portuguese top flight, Hjulmand, though recognised as a more defensive-minded midfielder, has racked up three goals and two assists in 23 games, with the club sitting top of the Primeira Liga table.
United were heavily linked with Hjulmand in January and there were even reports that the Red Devils had offered youngster Facundo Pellistri in exchange for the Denmark international.
It was also claimed that United midfielder Christian Eriksen is a close friend and mentor of Hjulmand and could play a role in convincing his fellow countryman to join him in Manchester.
According to Portuguese publication Record, United remain admirers of Hjlumand and are ‘paying close attention to his evolution’ this season, along with La Liga giants Barcelona.
Sporting are aware of the growing interest in Hjulmand and will look to fend off Europe’s elite by promising the Dane a position in their captaincy group next season, with the likes of Sebastian Coates, Luis Neto and Antonio Adan.
The Portuguese league leaders are also prepared to review Hjulmand’s salary and will consider offering him an improved contract to prevent his head from being turned.
Hjulmand’s current deal at Estadio Jose Alvalade, which he signed when he joined Sporting last August, runs through to 2028.
United are preparing an overhaul of the squad in the summer in the wake of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover at Old Trafford and it’s understood strengthening in midfield will be one of the club’s priorities.
Sofyan Amrabat has badly struggled to live up to expectations after arriving on loan from Fiorentina and United have no interest in making the Moroccan’s deal permanent at the end of the campaign.
There have also been rumours that United could look to move on from Casemiro, with the veteran Brazil midfielder missing a large part of this season through injury.
It remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag’s will still be in charge come the start of next term, with the United manager yet to receive a public vote of confidence from new co-owner Ratcliffe.
The Dutchman’s future is likely to hinge on the Red Devils’ success, or otherwise, in securing Champions League football for next season and the side’s progress in this year’s FA Cup.
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