Manchester United 'in the wings' to battle Man City for £42m-rated midfielder

Manchester United are reportedly 'in the wings' to make a move for Douglas Luiz in the final week of the January transfer window.

United are keen to strengthen their squad before deadline day and are keeping their options open to any opportunities that arrive. Ruben Amorim wants United to sign a wing-back and a forward this month, though he also has a long-term aim of adding a midfielder to his squad.

It means a move for Juventus star Luiz could appeal, especially if they are offered the opportunity to sign him on loan until the end of the season without an obligation to buy. Manchester World understand Man City are also contemplating a move for their former midfielder, with Pep Guardiola keen to finally address their issues in the centre of the pitch.

United will prioritise a move for Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu and a forward this week, but will no doubt be keeping an eye on developments elsewhere. The Daily Mail state: "Manchester City, who are also speaking to Juventus about right back Andrea Cambiaso, are contemplating a loan for the midfielder. Chelsea asked but have cooled on cost while Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Fulham are in the wings."

Luiz has made just 18 appearances for Juventus since he joined them from Aston Villa in a £42.35m deal last summer. The 26-year-old never made a competitive appearance for Man City during two years at the club before he moved to Villa Park. It has been reported the Brazilian feels short of confidence in Turin and is open to returning to the Premier League in order to revive his career.

United are expected to register a fresh bid for Dorgu early this week with Lecce demanding a €40 million fee for the defender. The Serie A side are adamant that they are prepared to keep him until the end of the season if his valuation it not met. Dorgu started for Lecce in their Serie A clash with Inter on Sunday evening and ahead of the match, club president Sticchi Damiani was quizzed on his future. “There are a series of situations in progress to complete the squad,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We are trying to resist, as is logical, because it is in our interest to keep the players who are protagonists of this group. So far, our plan is to not sell anyone in January.”