The very latest Manchester United transfer news and rumours on Morten Hjulmand and Lucien Agoume.
Man Utd-linked Morten Hjulmand in action for Sporting CP.
Man Utd-linked Morten Hjulmand in action for Sporting CP.
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are back in action when they travel to Fulham on Sunday. Ruben Amorim's side may well have lost their Premier League curtain-raiser - falling to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal - but there were plenty of positives for the Reds to take from the performance moving forward.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were both impressive - on debut - while the back-three didn't put much of a foot wrong against a strong Arsenal XI. Riccardo Calafiori proved to be the match-winner, although second-choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir would have been frustrated with his role in the goal.
Next up for United is a trip to Craven Cottage this weekend. Marco Silva's side kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Brighton on Saturday, with Rodrigo Muniz scoring a stoppage-time equaliser for the Whites.
In the meantime, United could be active in the market looking to strengthen up their squad, with a new midfielder and a goalkeeper set be their main areas to target.
With that in mind, The Manchester Evening News has taken a look at the latest transfer news regarding United;
Hjulmand demands
Manchester United are fearful that meeting Sporting CP's demands for Morten Hjulmand before the end of the window might impact their plans to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton next summer, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Influential figures behind-the-scenes are hestitating about whether or not they should enter negotiations with Sporting or focus on alternative targets.
Hjulmand has a release clause in the region of £69million in his contract. While United could trigger that and sign the Denmark international, they do not want to eat into their budget for next year.
United are, therefore, aware that spending big to land Hjulmand may harm their bid to land Baleba in 12 months time, for example.
The Manchester Evening News says: I think United would be smart to avoid spending £69m on Hjulmand and in turn waiting for Baleba's signing next summer. The Brighton starlet would have an extra year's experience in the Premier League and be more equipped to be Bruno Fernandes' dream midfield partner.
Not to say that Baleba wouldn't slot straight into United's midfield now, but if they have to wait another year to sign him, they should do that rather than scuppering their chances by bringing Hjulmand in.
Baleba alternative
Having accepted they did not have the funds to sign Carlos Baleba, it looks as though Manchester United have - potentially - identified a much cheaper alternative.
According to Orgullobiri Sevilla, via Sport Witness, United are going for Lucien Agoume. He has a £35million release clause in his Sevilla contract and, while the La Liga side are willing to accept a lower offer, they will not let him leave for less than £26million. The report has stated that 'Manchester United are coming' - but it's also stated that other unnamed Premier League clubs are interested.
The Manchester Evening News says: While Hjulmand's £69m release clause could well hamper a swoop for Baleba next summer, signing Agoume for under half the price before the end of the transfer window might not impact the Cameroonian's move.
If that is the case - and United can get Agoume this summer and Baleba in 2026 - then the Reds should do that. It would be an astute piece of business, as Agoume can strengthen United's midfield from the get-go.
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