Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd transfer twist after £29m 'bid submitted' for Liverpool target
Manchester United are in the market for new players as they seek to improve their fortunes
Manchester United gave their season a much-needed morale boost as they took a step closer to the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday night. The Red Devils beat Scottish giants Rangers 2-1 at Old Trafford as Bruno Fernandes struck decisively in stoppage time just minutes after the visitors had levelled and looked on course for a point.
Transfer deadline day is just over a week away, with clubs given until February 3 to complete any business. United have yet to sign a player but have sent Antony on loan to La Liga side Real Betis. They are in the market for a left-back and a striker while Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have been linked with moves away from the club. As the end of the window approaches, there is little certainty about where either player will be once the trading shuts.
One player United have been in for is Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu. The Danish player has also been linked with Liverpool, who are looking for a long-term successor to Andrew Robertson. The player has been eyed by United’s rivals for a number of years but the Red Devils are looking at getting a deal done.
Second Dorgu bid rejected
United had a first bid of £23m turned down by Lecce, with the Serie A club demanding £33m to part ways. On Friday it was reported a second bid worth around £29m was made but that has also been rebuffed by Lecce who are standing firm on their asking price.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who said on his YouTube channel: “Manchester United have spent the day [Friday] working with Lecce to get the deal done for Patrik Dorgu, this talented left wing back, can play also on the right, physical player, big potential, but at the moment still no agreement between Manchester United and Lecce. Lecce are insisting on 40 million euros or nothing.”
He added: “Manchester United offered 27 million euros a few days ago, rejected, then 34 million euros and once included today, again not enough to convince Lecce. Lecce remain on their position, they want 40 million euros or nothing for Dorgu. On player side there is no problem because Dorgu would be open and happy to go to. Manchester United, but now depends on what happens with Lecce.”
Why Lecce are holding firm
Lecce are 17th in Serie A ahead of the weekend’s games and sit just one point above the bottom three. Verona are in 18th with 19 points while Lecce, Parma and Empoli all sit on 20 points. Lecce have the second worst goal difference in the division and are keen to keep Dorgu as they battle relegation, unless their demands are met.
The Serie A club also believe they could get even more for the player in the summer as interest is expected from Italian rivals Napoli. Romano explained further: “They [Lecce] believe that in the summer Napoli will be there and more clubs will be there to sign the player, so they feel they can get this money in a few months and keep the player till the end of the season to fight. They are in a relegation zone in Serie A and they want absolutely, obviously, to stay in Serie A. So Lecce fight to keep the player because they believe they will still get that money, 40 million euros, in the summer.”