Manchester United are now eyeing a move to sign Sporting CP captain Morten Hjumland after missing out on Carlos Baleba, according to The Sun.
The Reds have spent the entire summer transfer window bolstering their attack, with big money spent to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, but now Ruben Amorim is keen to strengthen other positions too.
The club had been looking at Brighton star Baleba in another mega-money move, but they have now admitted defeat in their pursuit for the Cameroonian this summer, and now Amorim is keen to bring in someone he knows well.
Man Utd Eyeing Hjumland as Baleba Alternative
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim
Hjumland, who has been described as an 'absolute monster' by journalist Zach Lowy, was one of Amorim's favourites during their time together in Portugal, and there is big interest in the Dane this summer.
Now after a move for Baleba was put to the side until next summer, United are now preparing to make a £50m move for the 26-year-old as they look to add to their midfield options before the transfer window closes in two weeks.
Baleba is still the club's first choice option in midfield but it is understood that Brighton's not for sale stance is watertight and the gap in valuation makes a deal impossible in this transfer window. United may look to return next summer, but still want a new midfielder this month for the coming season.
Hjumland has a £68m release clause in his contract with the Lisbon club, but it's believed that the Liga NOS champions would be open to selling him for around £50m if certain add-ons were included in the deal.
It has also been reported that the Old Trafford club are keen on a move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, but any deal is also expected to be difficult to do since the south London club don't want to sell and there is limited time for an agreement to be found.
Hjumland would likely be open to the move to the Premier League to link up with his former manager, even without European football, and this is a situation to keep an eye on.
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