Manchester United submit £35m bid to beat Juventus to top midfield target

Manchester United have reportedly submitted a formal offer to sign Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, aiming to beat Juventus to the Danish midfielder’s signature.

United are actively looking to refresh their midfield options, with veteran Casemiro showing signs of decline and potentially on his way out.

Despite high wages making it difficult to move him, the club is pressing ahead with plans to bring in a younger replacement.

The Red Devils have now tabled a £35 million bid for Hjulmand, who has impressed in Portugal and is seen as a long-term solution in the middle of the park.

The 26-year-old has a release clause of £69m, but Sporting are reportedly willing to negotiate for a fee of around £43m.

The Danish international is said to be open to a move to Old Trafford, where he would reunite with his former manager Ruben Amorim, who recently took charge at United.

Hjulmand flourished under Amorim at Sporting and is well-acquainted with the coach’s tactical system.

Juventus are also interested in Hjulmand but are currently unable to meet Sporting’s financial demands. The Italian giants are looking to offload players before making any serious move for the midfielder.

Meanwhile, Hjulmand, who serves as Sporting’s captain, brings leadership and top-level experience traits United are looking for as they aim to build a squad capable of challenging for major honours.

With Toby Collyer reportedly seeking a move for more regular playing time and Casemiro’s future in doubt, United’s need for midfield reinforcements is growing.

Hjulmand’s arrival would provide both stability and quality to a midfield that already features rising star Kobbie Mainoo and the experienced Bruno Fernandes.

As talks continue, United are hopeful that their early move and the player’s familiarity with Amorim will be enough to seal the deal ahead of their Italian rivals.