Manchester United are in transfer negotiations over a deal for Lecce ace Patrick Dorgu but could see their plans foiled by Napoli as the Red Devils attempt to get a deal over the line
Manchester United could suffer a hammerblow to their chances of signing Patrick Dorgu this month.
The Red Devils are in talks with Lecce over a deal for the Denmark full-back as they look to satisfy their long-term quest to land a left-sided defender for Ruben Amorim. United scouted Dorgu before Christmas and Mirror Football understands Leece rebuffed approaches from both Chelsea and Tottenham during the summer transfer window.
The Premier League sides both fell short of the Serie A side’s valuation but United may now themselves see a problem posed. While the 13-times Premier League champions are said to have travelled to hold face-to-face negotiations in Italy over a deal, they now appear to be faced with the prospect of Napoli reaching an agreement first, according to Sky Sports Italy.
Antonio Conte’s team are said to be are close to reaching a deal for Dorgu that would see Dorgu remain at Lecce on loan until the end of the season. If United were to meet the Italian’s £33.8million asking price, they would beat Napoli to the deal.
Lecce chief Pantaleo Corvino had previously ruled out a January sale for the 20-year-old. “A player like that has admirers, of course,” said Corvino.
“And, for him, there are certainly many, even abroad. But Dorgu will stay here and then, in the summer, we’ll talk about it because his destiny is set. The future belongs to him.”
It is not the only time Napoli’s transfer activity could impact United this month. The Red Devils have already turned down a £40m bid from the side for Alejandro Garnacho.
The winger was reported to be interested in the move with United willing to facilitate a sale at the right price, though they are not actively pushing a deal. Asked about the prospect of a deal for Garnacho, Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna admitted they were considering the situation.
On Saturday he said: “We are making some assessments, he is an important player, but he is not ours. We must not get carried away even if we know that an important player has left, a top player as the manager defined him and therefore the expectations are high. But we will do something on Napoli’s terms.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
