Manchester United are ready to fight Arsenal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand. The 26-year-old Dane, who has been on the radar of the London club for some time now, is expected to be available on the market this summer.
There are plenty of rumours and speculations about Manchester United's plan to rope in two—if not three—midfielders in the summer. Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Sandro Tonali have all been linked to the former Premier League champions, with Hjulmand being the latest addition.
There is an €80 million release clause attached to Hjulmand's current Sporting contract, which runs until June 2028, but the club will be open to accepting a deal well beneath it, CaughtOffside said in a report. As per the news portal, the Portuguese side will agree to sell their midfielder for a sum around €60 million.
Manchester City may enter the transfer race if their plans to rope in Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest hit a roadblock, the report added. The equations could change greatly if that happens, but United stand a realistic chance of getting the Scandinavian star as things stand.
Morten Hjulmand represented Austria's Admira Wacker and Italy's Lecce following his graduation from Copenhagen U19 before joining Sporting. Arsenal have been impressed by his positional intelligence and press-resistance ever since facing him in the European circuit.
How good is Morten Hjulmand?
Manchester United also seem to be impressed by his incredible work rate, defensive stability, and passing range. He is someone who can help the team progress through the middle of the park rather than bypass it with long balls.
However, Hjulmand is known for his long-range vertical passes that let his side switch the play. Against counter-attacking teams, his tactical fouls and game awareness often help to nip threats in the bud.
A €60 million price tag is very much affordable for both the English giants, but it remains to be seen if Arsenal will finally be crowned the domestic champions this season and whether that would affect Hjulmand's decision.