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According to The Sun, Manchester United’s recent proposal to Sporting Lisbon, offering Facundo Pellistri in exchange for midfielder Morten Hjulmand, has been turned down.
The report states Sporting Lisbon is holding out for the activation of Hjulmand’s £69 million release clause by the Red Devils.
Reports indicate that United scouts have been monitoring Hjulmand, a defensive midfielder, in at least six of his appearances this season, in both the Primeira Liga and the Europa League.
Hjulmand, who has played in 24 games for Sporting since his transfer from Lecce for about £15 million, has been a consistent presence, missing only one match. He has contributed one goal and two assists across all competitions.
Manchester United’s interest in Hjulmand is bolstered by the presence of Christian Eriksen, a fellow Danish international and close friend of Hjulmand, at Old Trafford.
Eriksen, who plays alongside Hjulmand for Denmark, is seen as a mentor to the 24-year-old. Additionally, Rasmus Hojlund, another Danish international, is part of Manchester United’s squad.
However, Sporting Lisbon has not shown interest in the offer involving Pellistri, who has played nine league games this season for Manchester United.
Hjulmand’s past includes being linked with a move to the Premier League with Southampton during his time at Lecce.
Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, sees Hjulmand as a potential enhancement to their midfield, which has seen challenges with recent additions.
Both Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat have faced difficulties settling in since their summer arrival, and Casemiro has also had a challenging start to the season before being sidelined by an injury.
Currently, Manchester United is positioned eighth in the Premier League, trailing nine points behind the top four. The team is about to enter a challenging phase with upcoming matches against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham, and Aston Villa.
