Man Utd battling City for Sporting captain Morten Hjulmand but ‘must trigger £69million transfer release clause'
MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in a transfer battle with Man City for Sporting Lisbon captain Morten Hjulmand.
The Red Devils are looking for a new holding midfielder following the arrivals of attackers Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
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Morten Hjulmand is gaining interest from Manchester United
Credit: Getty
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He could cost up to £69million
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Hjulmand, 26, has established himself as a key figure at the Portuguese outfit since his arrival in 2023.
The midfielder was brought in from Italian outfit Lecce in a £15million transfer.
His performances and experience with manager Ruben Amorim appear to have caught the eye of Man United.
Portuguese outlet A Bola have claimed that the Red Devils are interested in the Denmark international.
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However, Man United will face a fight to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford.
Sporting are said to be demanding that his release clause of £69m is met in order to sanction a sale.
They have already shown that they are not willing to negotiate a lesser deal, as Juventus failed with an offer worth up to £35m.
Sporting have also proved to be tough negotiators during the Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga with Arsenal.
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The report has also stated that Man United are keen on the striker but have more interest in Hjulmand.
The Red Devils will also have to compete with cross-city rivals Man City in the race for his signature.
Mbeumo completes Man Utd move
City's sporting director, Hugo Viana, was appointed after he left Sporting in February.
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Last season, the Dane made 47 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and assisting two.
He did pick up SIXTEEN yellow cards and one red card throughout the campaign.
His contract is set to run until 2028.
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Ivan Fresneda is sure that Hjulmand will star in Portugal
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Sporting full-back Ivan Fresneda has claimed that the Dane is "happy" in Portugal amid transfer speculation.
Speaking after the pre-season victory over Sunderland, the Spaniard told O Jogo: "Hjulmand is our captain and he's very happy here with us, I have no doubt."
Meanwhile, Man United are also on the hunt for a new striker and goalkeeper before the end of the transfer window.
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They have failed with an ambitious loan offer for Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez.
Up front, the club have been linked with the likes of Gyokeres, Nicolas Jackson and Benjamin Sesko.
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