Manchester United are reportedly lining up a shock move for Sporting CP's powerhouse captain Morten Hjulmand after their pursuit of Brighton's Carlos Baleba hit a wall, with the Seagulls demanding a jaw-dropping £120 million for their Cameroonian star. United boss Ruben Amorim is desperate to bring Baleba to Old Trafford, but Brighton's sky-high asking price left Old Trafford chiefs wincing.
- Man Utd eye Sporting skipper Hjulmand
- Baleba chase halted by £120m demand
- Arsenal-loving Dane could join Red Devils
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Baleba was a revelation last season, ranking among the Premier League’s best for tackles, interceptions, blocks and recoveries. Brighton aren't budging, seeing him as a pivotal piece for the campaign ahead after starting 31 of 38 league games last term.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to Brighton's firm stance has forced United to shift their focus to Hjulmand. United are preparing a £50m bid, with Sporting likely to consider an offer about £10m shy of his £68m release clause if performance add-ons are met. The Dane is no stranger to Amorim’s high-intensity, structured style, having played 65 matches under him at Sporting. Together, they lifted two Primeira Liga titles and a Taca de Portugal, with Hjulmand wearing the captain’s armband.
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If United pull the trigger on Hjulmand, the savings could fuel another high-profile raid – this time for Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, as they seek a new long-term goalkeeper. However, they must act quickly, as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are also lurking, with the Spaniard also eyeing Baleba as a potential long-term heir to Rodri.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?
Hjulmand is a lifelong Arsenal supporter, and he’s literally got the ink to prove it, with a Gunners-inspired tattoo on his body. That’s unlikely to sit well with sections of the United faithful, but Amorim believes his ex-captain’s mentality could win over even the most sceptical fans.