Manchester United have opened talks with Lecce over a deal to to sign left-back Patrick Dorgu.
Ruben Amorim has made the signing of a left-back to suit his system the priority for the January transfer window, amid limited funds.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have been plagued by fitness issues over the last 18 months to leave United without a recognised option. Combined, that duo have played just 160 Premier League minutes so far this season.
According to The Athletic, United have started negotiations over a deal to sign Dorgu. The 20-year-old is regarded as one of Serie A’s brightest young talents.
Dorgu has made 20 league appearances for the Italian side this season, scoring three times and providing an assist.
He has showcased versatility with minutes in both full-back positions and further forward on either flank. The 6ft 2in defender has impressed at both ends of the pitch for Lecce, ranking in the top five percent of full-backs in Europe for goals, non-penalty xG and aerial duels won per 90 minutes.
Dorgu, who has also attracted interest from Napoli, Chelsea and Tottenham, made his Denmark debut in September. The defender marked the occasion by scoring with his first touch, just 42 seconds after coming off the bench. He has since won four caps for the national side.
United are assessing multiple left-back options before the closure of the January transfer window. The Red Devils have tracked the progress of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, while there’s strong interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes. The latter has stalled on signing a new contract with the French champions and has 18 months on his current deal.
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