Man Utd's bitter rivals want £30m star despite Old Trafford 'dream'

Daily Mirror

4 hours ago

Manchester United signed Patrick Dorgu from Lecce during the winter window and one of the Danish international's former team-mates has spoken about his love for the club
Lecce star Nikola Krstovic spoke earlier this season about his dream of a move to Manchester United. Instead, though, it's another Premier League team who want the Montenegro international.
Krstovic top-scored for Lecce last season as they narrowly clung on to their Serie A status. The Giallorossi were able to survive despite a high-profile exit midway through the season, with Patrick Dorgu joining United in a big-money move.
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It looks as though the striker won't be joining his old team-mate at Old Trafford, though. Instead, it's Leeds United readying a move for the £30m-rated star.
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According to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Leeds have an agreement in principle to sign Krstovic - potentially for substantially less than Lecce's £30m asking price. However, they have yet to agree personal terms.
Sport Witness has also resurfaced comments from the 25-year-old from back in September. Back then, he discussed his next steps while making reference to compatriot Mirko Vucinic, who had spells at Roma and Juventus after leaving Lecce.
'After the match against Torino he (Mirko Vucinic) told me 'think about the next one'. Where would I never play? In Bari. My dream is Manchester United,' Krstovic is quoted as saying.
'It's only the second year here in Lecce. I am very happy, both me and my family. We have friends and we're enjoying it, so let's think about the present.'
If Leeds are able to land Krstovic, he would be the second new arrival from Serie A after Jaka Bijol. Slovenia defender Bijol has joined on a long-term deal from Udinese as Daniel Farke's side prepare for a Premier League return, with the Whites also adding Lukas Nmecha to their ranks this summer.
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'I work for it and that's why I'm here, because it's a big challenge for everyone," Bijol told club media. "It's a big challenge for me, for the club, and we're getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.
'I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.'
The reigning Championship winners have also offloaded Rasmus Kristiansen and Joshua Guilavogui this summer. Guilavogui is a free agent after his short-term deal ended, while Kristiansen has made a permanent move to Eintracht Frankfurt after a successful loan.