'Incredibly hard' - verdict given on Man United's £70m transfer mission amid rival Tottenham interest

Man United are beginning to see somewhat of s resurgence under Ruben Amorim after they beat Brighton 4-2 over the weekend to win their third match in a row in the Premier League. The United manager has taken a lot of the pressure off him, and he can now focus on moving forward.

That moving forward process will soon include the January transfer window, which Amoirm will certainly have already thought about. He will be keen to bring in more players who suit his 3-4-3 formation and can thrive in his system, something which United still lack a lot of.

The holding midfield role is one that Amorim has struggled to easily fill, with the spot alongside Bruno Fernandes currently occupied by Casemiro. However, the Brazilian’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and so United will need to find a replacement. Amorim has reportedly decided to look at his former club for said replacement.

Amorim’s Hjulmand reunion will be ‘incredibly hard’

One player that Amorim is reportedly looking at in midfield is Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand, who previously played under the United boss before he moved from Portugal to come and manage at Old Trafford. So, in that sense, the Danish international would be a great signing, as he is used to playing in Amorim’s system.

However, according to a report by Football Insider Journalist Pete O’Rourke, it could be a tough deal for United to get over the line. O’Rourke wrote: “Manchester United will find it incredibly hard to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand in the January transfer window. Sources say that Sporting are desperate to keep hold of their captain until the end of the season.

“The Portuguese side is on track to reach the knockout phase of the Champions League, as well as challenging for the league title domestically, and sees Hjulmand as imperative to their success.”

Furthermore, Hjulmand has a £70m price tag on his back, according to Goal.com, meaning that United would surely have to sell players before they can go after him. It may be that Amorim has to look at alternatives. Furthermore, Premier League rivals Tottenham are also interested in signing the midfielder, which could make it even more difficult for United.

Who would be a realistic January signing?

It would be difficult to get any major defensive midfielder in over the January transfer window, as clubs are always reluctant to sell their best players during the season, especially Premier League clubs to rivals. That means it will also be difficult for United to sign the likes of Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson in the Premier League, so they will have to look elsewhere.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher remains a target for United, as the Red Devils want to sign him on loan, but Madrid wants a permanent sale. However, they could agree on a loan-to-buy deal, and potentially get that deal over the line despite it being in January.

Jobe Bellingham also seemed a good option, but reports linking him with a loan move to United have also gone quiet. In terms of other choices, United have also been linked to former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who is playing for Saudi side Al-Hilal. That would be more of a realistic deal to get done in January, as Neves’ contract at the Saudi Pro League side expires at the end of the season.

In other news: How Man United's £495m line-up could look in January as Ruben Amorim braces for AFCON exits.