The January transfer window is entering its final days, and Manchester United are working feverishly behind the scenes to reinforce their squad for the season’s crucial second half. The club’s top priority appears to be Patrick Dorgu, the promising young left wing-back currently plying his trade at Italian side Lecce.
United’s Dorgu Pursuit Reaches Crunch Time
According to sources close to the situation, United have already seen an initial bid of €20 million plus €5 million in add-ons rejected by Lecce for the 20-year-old Denmark international. However, talks between the two clubs are said to be ongoing, with growing optimism that an agreement can be reached.
Those same sources indicate that United are prepared to up their offer to a total package approaching €40 million in order to secure Dorgu’s signature. Manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly identified the left wing-back position as an area in need of strengthening during this window.
Fernández Buyback Option Explored
As the Dorgu negotiations continue, United are said to be exploring contingency plans. One such option involves triggering their €18 million buyback clause for Álvaro Fernández, who left the club’s academy to join Benfica and has impressed in Portugal.
Sources characterize the Fernández move as a fallback option if an agreement cannot ultimately be reached with Lecce for Dorgu. The Spaniard’s familiarity with United, having come through the youth ranks, could allow him to hit the ground running if a return materializes.
Malacia Loan Exit on the Cards?
Should United succeed in bringing in either Dorgu or Fernández, it could pave the way for Tyrell Malacia to depart on loan. The Dutch left-back, who returned from a lengthy injury layoff earlier this season, has made just seven appearances thus far.
With Luke Shaw nearing a comeback from his own injury issues, United are thought to be open to allowing Malacia to seek regular playing time elsewhere on a temporary basis until the end of the campaign.
Casemiro’s Old Trafford Future in Doubt
In a surprising development, sources are also reporting that United are willing to listen to loan offers for midfielder Casemiro before the transfer deadline. The Brazil international, one of the club’s marquee signings just 12 months ago, has found himself out of favor in recent weeks.
Casemiro has started only one of United’s last 11 matches and has been an unused substitute in each of the last six. His most recent appearance came in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Dec. 30.
Italian giants Roma are said to have expressed an interest in taking the 32-year-old on loan until the end of the season. To facilitate a move, United are reportedly prepared to cover a portion of Casemiro’s £300,000-per-week wages.
As the clock ticks down towards the end of the January window, United find themselves engaged on multiple fronts. Securing a deal for Dorgu appears to be the priority, but the Casemiro situation bears monitoring as well. The next few days promise to be busy ones at Old Trafford as Amorim looks to fine-tune his squad for the challenges ahead.
