Fabrizio Romano has just confirmed that Manchester United will return with an improved proposal for first-choice full-back target Patrick Dorgu this week.
It comes after the Red Devils had their opening £22.7 million bid rejected last week, with Lecce holding out for around £33.6m to sanction Dorgu’s exit – meaning there’s substantial haggling to be done from United’s end.
INEOS’ transfer chiefs may feel inclined to meet Lecce’s demands due to outside interest from Napoli, who were reportedly planning to ‘hijack’ any potential deal and lure the Danish international to Italy. However, Romano added in this morning’s update that the Serie A leaders are more likely to pursue a summer move.
Dorgu, 20, has notched three goals and one assist in 21 league appearances this campaign. He is specifically being targeted to properly fulfil Ruben Amorim’s newly implemented wing-back role, as both Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot have – at times – struggled to adapt to the new setup.
United have Dorgu alternative lined up if a deal fails to materialise
The youngster received high praise from an ex-coach that United will have undoubtedly taken heed of. Johannes Hoff Thorup, whom he worked with at Nordsjaelland, said of Dorgu (via Bold): “I had him as a U14 and U17 player, and he did very well there, as he is doing now.
“He is a very dynamic and physical player who can run 90 minutes, and I actually don’t think he missed a training session in the time he was here in North Zealand, so he really is a machine in that regard. A very humble boy who works hard for things.”
While Dorgu did start and play the full 90 minutes against Inter Milan on Sunday, the Mirror claims the ‘biggest hint yet’ that he could be on his way out is that Lecce are actively scouring the market for his replacement amid ongoing talks.
Still, should the Reds fail to reach a full agreement over the defender, they are said to be ‘seriously considering’ re-signing Alvaro Carreras – just eight months after facilitating his transfer to Benfica for only £5m. United do have an advantage over Carreras’ other potential suitors due to the £16m buy-back clause included in his exit terms.
