Patrick Dorgu to Man Utd transfer talks at crucial stage after £23m bid response

Manchester United have seen an opening bid for Patrick Dorgu rejected, with club chiefs now considering whether to improve their offer for Ruben Amorim’s top target

Manchester United are weighing up making an improved offer for top target Patrik Dorgu after seeing their initial bid turned down.

Dorgu has become United’s leading transfer target as boss Ruben Amorim searches for a new left-back. Fullback has quickly become of the biggest weaknesses in Amorim’s squad, with Luke Shaw injured and Tyrell Malacia out of favour.

Danish international Dorgu has caught the eye with Serie A side Lecce, earning four caps on the international stage. The 20-year-old has proven to be a versatile player, even if his primary position is left-back.

He has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals. But Lecce will not let him go cheaply and are ready to push United for a high price for Dorgu.

According to the Daily Star, United have seen a £23million bid for the Dane turned down. The Italian side instead value Dorgu at around £35m, with Red Devils chiefs said to now be considering an improved bid.

It is claimed a debate is now raging at Old Trafford over whether or not to meet Lecce’s asking price. Amorim has kept close tabs on Dorgu and is confident he would fit into his new system.

United may have to move quickly though, with a number of other clubs also interested in the 20-year-old. Further talks are expected to take place between United and Lecce in a bid to find an agreement.

But if the Premier League side decide to walk away from a deal, Benfica star Alvaro Carreras has been identified as an alternative target. On Wednesday, Amorim decided against making an public claims on transfers, though admitted that defence is an area that needs to improve.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Manchester Unitted match Lecce’s valuation of Dorgu? Comment below.

“As I understand the question, let’s focus on the game and I do’ not want to talk about that, especially before a game. Our focus is that our players are here to play,” he said ahead of facing Rangers on Thursday.

“We need to improve, to win games, to have that feeling of winning is important for us, so lets focus on that today. We are more nervous playing at home than away because we lost four games in five so it is getting harder.

“But we can improve and I think if we don’t suffer the first goal like in the fourth minute, I remember others in the 10th minute, 15th minute, then it is really hard to calm down the team. We need the first thing, in my mind, they cannot score.

“We need to score the first one and if we scored the first one that would change [things]. That is it and I think we are really clear that we are anxious playing, especially at home, and we are suffering goals then it is really hard. I think it is clear for everybody that it is getting harder to play at Old Trafford.”

The official programme cover for Manchester United v Rangers has been revealed, and it is paying tribute to ‘The King’, Denis Law. As well as the cover, there will be special features inside dedicated to the Manchester United and Scotland legend. Copies will be available at Old Trafford on matchday or online.