Manchester United have exploded into pole position to sign a top-flight midfield star after rivals Manchester City decided to focus on another target instead, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.
Manchester United could confirm their return to the Champions League this weekend, and it might happen before they even kick off against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Brighton and Hove Albion and Bournemouth are the only clubs who can prevent the Red Devils finishing in the top five now, although if both fail to win then Michael Carrick's side return to Europe's elite club competition for the first time since they were eliminated in 2023 will be confirmed.
The Seagulls face Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday, before the Cherries host Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium just hours before United kick off against Arne Slot's visitors.
Whenever Champions League football next term is confirmed for United, it will allow club chiefs to start formalising plans for who their next permanent manager will be, along with beginning to make progress on the summer transfer targets they will move for.
Carrick appears to be in a good position to get the job after his successful caretaker spell, although it has been suggested that Andoni Iraola is emerging as his 'strongest' rival for the role.
Man United in 'Pole Position' to Sign Morten Hjulmand Ahead of Man City
Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP playing against Bayern Munich
According to A Bola, Unitedare now leading the race to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand this summer.
The report says that while Manchester City were long considered the strongest suitors for the Denmark international, it is now United who have jumped into pole position for his signature with City instead focusing on a deal to sign Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson.
Ironically, Anderson is also the top target for the Red Devils, according to GIVEMESPORT sources, although there is a feeling he would prefer a move to the Etihad if both options were on the table.
United are now said to have a clear path to get the 26-year-old Dane, who received rave reviews from former manager Ruben Amorim during his tenure at Old Trafford.
With Casemiro leaving at the end of the season, A Bola claim that United see Hjulmand as the ideal successor to provide balance and leadership.
Hjulmand Will be Sold for Lower Than Release Clause
Morten Hjulmand in action for Sporting
The report also claims that even though Hjulmand's release clause stands at €80m, his exit could be done for a much lower fee thanks to a verbal agreement between the club and their captain.
That fee is claimed to be between €40-50m, and if that was reached by a suitor then Hjulmand, who has been described as an 'absolute monster' by Zach Lowy, would expect club chiefs to enter the negotiating table over a move.
That fee could be attractive to United as they continue to be quoted large asking prices for their targets based in the Premier League, like Anderson, Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.
Some reports are suggesting that Forest could demand up to £120m for Anderson, while GMS senior correspondent Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Baleba won't be sold at a hugely reduced fee despite reports to the contrary.