Man United looking to strike January deal for Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand amid Man City interest | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly aiming to hasten their efforts to land Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand, as Manchester City circle around him.

United have been linked to Hjulmand for several months now but a transfer has never materialised. Following Ruben Amorim’s appointment as head coach, rumours of Hjulmand sealing a switch to Old Trafford have surfaced once again.

In September, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that City were keen on hijacking United’s pursuit of the Denmark international.

GIVEMESPORT have now given an update on the situation, relaying that the reigning Premier League champions are indeed admirers of the defensive midfielder but United possess an advantage in the race to land him – Amorim.

It’s also understood that United are prepared to accelerate their attempts to secure his signature, possibly even agreeing a deal with Sporting in January.

City’s pursuit of Hjulmand is being driven by Hugo Viana, who will replace Txiki Begiristain as director of football at the Etihad.

“Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is being forced to contend with fresh competition in his bid to lure Morten Hjulmand to Old Trafford as arch-rivals Manchester City are threatening to head to the negotiating table for the Sporting star’s signature, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.”

“Manchester United may fast-track their plans to sign Hjulmand and attempt to strike a deal in January, according to GMS sources, as reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are beginning to consider him as a target as they aim to add further strength in depth to their squad.”

“GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United and Manchester City had scouts in attendance for the Portuguese heavyweights’ Champions League clash with Arsenal on Tuesday, and Hjulmand was among those on the pitch being watched closely as they up the ante in their preparations for the winter transfer window.”

“GMS sources have been told that Hjulmand has been on Manchester United’s radar for more than a year and their chances of being able to convince him to embark on a fresh challenge at Old Trafford have increased thanks to appointing Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s successor in the hot-seat.”

The news outlet adds that United were initially planning to go in for Hjulmand in the summer but they’ve been forced to re-strategise by City.

It’s believed that Hjulmand is protected by a £67million release clause contained in his Sporting contract.

The 25-year-old has made 18 appearances for his club this season, scoring twice and assisting on one occasion.

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