Ruben Amorim is considering a reunion with former Sporting Lisbon midfielders Joao Palhinha and Morten Hjulmand as Manchester United target a defensive midfielder.
Palhinha and Hjulmand have both been shortlisted as Manchester United look to reinforce their midfield before the transfer deadline. The club’s current priority is a centre-forward, though a goalkeeper and number six will be sought if funds are available.
According to the Independent, Amorim is assessing deals for two players he knows well. Palhinha impressed under the management of Amorim at Sporting, winning a drought-breaking Primeira Liga title in 2020/21, before two impressive campaigns in the Premier League at Fulham.
The 30-year-old led the league for tackles won in straight seasons but has endured a frustrating time since leaving London for Bayern Munich last summer.
Palhinha started just six Bundesliga games last season and has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Allianz Arena. Bayern are reportedly prepared to accept around half the £43.4m paid to sign the midfielder last summer.
Hjulmand is also under consideration. The Denmark international has shone since signing for Sporting in 2023, earning back-to-back Primeira Liga Team of the Year inclusions and league titles.
Named Danish Footballer of the Year in 2024, he scored his first international goal against England at last summer’s European Championship. The 26-year-old has a release clause of €80m (£69.1m) at The Estádio José Alvalade. Sporting are under no pressure to sell after the sale of Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal.
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