Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United 'very interesting' signing attempt was blocked by Arsenal
Man Utd looked at ways to strengthen their midfield in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United might have Arsenal to blame for their inability to sign a midfielder in the summer transfer window. United prioritised an attacking overhaul this summer, but it is no secret they would have liked to have signed a midfielder if possible.
Club sources insist it was never a 'priority' to add a midfielder to their squad, though they still enquired to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton and also made a late approach to sign Conor Gallagher on loan from Atletico Madrid. It means a midfield overhaul is set to be their priority next year, with as many as two new additions needed to refresh their options.
Baleba is viewed as their dream midfield target for next summer, while Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton could also be on their radar again. If Ruben Amorim has it his way, he could also persuade the club to back him in a move for Sporting star Morten Hjulmand.
United held an interest in the 26-year-old this summer but Fabrizio Romano claims a move was never possible after Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting. It is claimed the Portuguese side were adamant they would not lose another key player in the window and ruled out an exit, despite the fact United held 'several meetings' to gauge the possibility of a transfer.
Speaking in a YouTube video, Romano told viewers: "I wanted to explain something more on Manchester United regarding Morten Hjulmand. We mentioned several midfielders. We mentioned about Conor Gallagher, Man United tried before the end of the summer transfer window but Atletico said no.
"I also wanted to mention for Manchester United, Morten Hjulmand. They had several meetings to understand the situation of the player. The situation was never easy, but Manchester United were informed over the summer. A player well known by Ruben Amorim, different skills compared with (Carlos) Baleba, Gallagher, but still a very interesting midfielder.
"That option was never advanced for one reason: Sporting after selling Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal, didn't want to sell any other crucial piece of their squad. This is why for Hjlumand it was not even possible to start negotiations. He was on the list of Juventus, Man United, several clubs but it never advanced because of that reason. For the future, let's see. He is still a player appreciated by Ruben Amorim."
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