Manchester United will hope to kickstart their Premier League season with victory over Fulham on Sunday.
The Red Devils were beaten 1-0 by rivals Arsenal on the opening weekend, with Altay Bayindir at fault for the Gunners’ goal.
Head coach Ruben Amorim has since defender the Turkey international, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will keep his place for the visit to Craven Cottage.
New signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were relatively impressive on their competitive debuts for United, while Benjamin Sesko struggled to make much of an impact after being introduced as a second-half substitute.
The trio have all arrived at Old Trafford this summer, with Amorim and those in charge of the club looking to bolster their squad after a disastrous campaign last season.
Now, it appears that United face a dilemma in the closing weeks of the transfer window.
As reported by GiveMeSport, those in charge of United are fearful that signing Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP this summer could impact their chances of luring Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion this time next year.
Amorim worked with Hjulmand during his time in Lisbon (Photo: SPP Sport Press Photo/Alamy)
The report claims that United may not be able to afford a move for Baleba next summer if they activate Hjulmand’s £69 million release clause this month.
Hjulmand, 26, worked under Amorim during the Portuguese’s time in Lisbon and has emerged as a target for United as they look to bolster their midfield.
The Dane won’t come cheap, though, with Sporting likely to insist that his release clause is met in order to allow him to leave Lisbon.
While United are interested in the 26-year-old, the report claims that United may not be able to afford to sign Baleba from Brighton next summer if they pay the £69 million for Hjulmand.
Baleba, 21, has emerged as a target for United in recent weeks having impressed for the Seagulls last term.
The Cameroon international is said to be valued by his current employers at a staggering £100 million, with Brighton making it clear to United that they have no intention of selling the central midfielder during the current transfer window.