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Morten Hjulmand is the latest midfielder on Man Utd’s radar – but won’t come cheap

Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand has caught the eye of Manchester United, but Sporting Lisbon insists he can only depart if his sizable release clause is fulfilled.

Morten Hjulmand of Sporting Lisbon is available for Manchester United to pursue, but they will have to fully fulfil his release clause.

In an effort to increase his alternatives in the middle of the pitch, Erik ten Hag has already this summer been connected to a number of midfield anchors. Hjulmand, who made an impression during Sporting’s league-winning season the previous season, is the newest player on their radar.

He had just signed a long contract, with a €80 million (£67.3 million) release clause, to come to the Portuguese capital from Lecce. Sporting has no desire to let Hjulmand to go this summer on a cheap deal.

Hjulmand is one of the few players who Sporting manager Ruben Amorim considers to be “untouchable,” according to Portuguese news source Correio da Manha, which is why he will only let him go for an enormous sum of money.

Sporting had to re-enter the market at this time last year to find a midfielder to replace Manuel Ugarte, who left for PSG. Although the Uruguayan is another player that United has their eye on, their talks with the French champions have not advanced.

Another player who could transfer to Manchester is Sofyan Ambrabat, who played on loan at Old Trafford last season. However, it is much more likely that he will return to Fiorentina.

This is INEOS’s first summer in charge, and their lack of cash hinders United’s pursuit of Hjulmand. Having already spent over £40 million to acquire frontman Joshua Zirkzee and defender Leny Yoro from Lille, Ten Hag has a tight budget.

The midfielder notched against the Three Lions this summer ( Image: No credit)

The Red Devils may need to let go of players like Casemiro if they want to sign the Dane, who tied the score against England at the summer’s European Championship by scoring a long-range goal for his nation. The Brazilian, who plays in the middle of the pitch, had a difficult season due to his high salary.

In the middle of the pitch, Kobbie Mainoo has established himself as a starter, but there are still lots of open spots. Another player that saw a lot of midfield action was Scott McTominay, but like many other players in the team, he might be traded if the appropriate offer comes in.