Manchester United continue to be active in this summer’s transfer market.
With manager Ruben Amorim intent on reshaping the midfield, United are prioritising physicality and leadership in the middle of the park.
While attention remains on potential outgoings, including veteran Casemiro, the focus behind the scenes has been on adding a dominant ball-winner.
United’s midfield struggled for consistency last season, and Amorim is determined to find a long-term solution.
The Red Devils have now accelerated their pursuit of a player they believe can bring control and aggression to their engine room.
According to reports, Manchester United have submitted a €40 million (£34.8 million) offer for Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand.
The Danish international has been identified as a key target, and United believe their valuation is fair given his performances in the Primeira Liga and Europa League.
However, the race for Morten Hjulmand is heating up quickly, with Juventus plotting a hijack attempt of their own.
Juve director Damien Comolli is working to re-open talks with Sporting after a breakdown in negotiations last week.
Sporting have placed a firm €60 million (£51.9 million) price tag on Hjulmand, and despite interest from multiple clubs, they are currently unwilling to negotiate below that valuation, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Juventus are trying to create space in their midfield by offloading Douglas Luiz, who has interest from Fenerbahce and several Premier League sides including West Ham and Everton.
Comolli hopes to include Luiz or Arthur in a swap deal with Sporting, but the Portuguese champions are not currently convinced.
United, meanwhile, have the advantage of offering a straight cash deal, which could appeal more to Sporting.
Despite Juve’s efforts, Manchester United remain optimistic about their chances of landing Morten Hjulmand, who is open to a move to the Premier League.
With just over a month left in the transfer window, the next few days could be crucial in determining where the 26-year-old midfielder will play next season.
