The future of one of Europe’s most coveted young talents could be decided imminently, as Manchester United are locked in talks with Italian side Lecce over a deal for 20-year-old Patrick Dorgu. The versatile Danish wing-back has been identified as a priority target by United boss Ruben Amorim as he seeks to bolster his options in the full-back positions.
According to reports in Italy, United are prepared to pay between €35-40 million to secure Dorgu’s signature. Lecce’s director of football Pantaleo Corvino is set for a decisive meeting with United officials in Milan on Tuesday afternoon, where a deal could be finalized. For a Lecce side currently languishing in 17th place in Serie A, such a substantial fee would represent a massive windfall.
United Face Competition from Napoli
However, United’s pursuit of Dorgu is not without complications. Napoli have also registered a strong interest in the player and see him as a backup option if they fail in their ambitious bid to sign United’s own young star Alejandro Garnacho. The Neapolitans have tabled an offer worth £50m for the Argentine winger.
Should United rebuff Napoli’s advances for Garnacho, the Serie A leaders are poised to turn their attention to Dorgu and could seek to hijack the Red Devils’ move at the eleventh hour. It sets up a fascinating transfer tug-of-war between the two clubs in the final days of the window.
Rashford Makes U-Turn on Future
In other news swirling around Old Trafford, Marcus Rashford appears to have made an abrupt U-turn on his desire to leave the club. Despite strong interest from Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco, the England striker now reportedly wants to stay and fight for his place.
The dumped attacker now wants to start against Rangers in Thursday’s Europa League clash.
– The Sun
Whether Rashford has truly had a change of heart or if this is merely a negotiating tactic remains to be seen. What is clear is that Amorim still has plenty of attacking options at his disposal, even if Rashford were to depart.
Villa Battling to Keep Durán
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are desperate to keep hold of their Colombian striker Jhon Durán in the face of serious interest from West Ham. The Villans angrily rejected a £57m offer from the Hammers, with the midlands club believed to value the player closer to £80m.
Manager Unai Emery sees Durán as pivotal to his long-term project at Villa Park and is loath to lose him. But every player has his price, and West Ham’s deep pockets mean this saga may have a few more twists and turns to come.
Dubravka Deal on Ice
Finally, spare a thought for Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who had mentally prepared himself for a January move to Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia. The Slovakian had even begun to bid farewell to friends and pack his bags, only for the Magpies to pull the plug on the deal at the last minute.
Dubravka will now remain on Tyneside until at least the end of the season, where he will provide experienced cover and competition for first-choice keeper Nick Pope. It’s a blow for the player, but a savvy piece of business by Newcastle to retain a valuable squad member for the run-in.
As the clock ticks down towards the end of the January window, expect the rumour mill to continue churning at breakneck speed. With Dorgu’s future hanging in the balance and several other high-profile moves still in the pipeline, we’re set for a frenetic final few days in the transfer market. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
