ERIK TEN HAG 'GIVEN THE GO AHEAD TO PURSUE TOP TRANSFER TARGET'... BUT THE MAN UNITED BOSS WILL NEED TO MEET ONE CONDITION TO LAND THE 'UNTOUCHABLE' STAR

Manchester United are said to be in talks to sign one of their top transfer targets
Erik ten Hag set about revitalising his side after a campaign of mixed fortunes
But the Old Trafford club will need to meet one condition to land the midfielder

Erik ten Hag has reportedly been given the green light to continue his summer rebuild at Manchester United.

The Dutchman has already secured two new arrivals at Old Trafford in the form of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro from Bologna and Lille respectively for a combined outlay of £88.5million.

United have been repeatedly linked with a move for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer, but with the deal to sign the Uruguayan appearing to have stalled Ten Hag has began to pursue other options.

One of the alternatives identified by the club is said to be Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

According to a report from Portuguese outlet Correio Da Manha United are pursuing a deal to sign Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

Hjulmand arrived at the Leoes last season as a replacement for Ugarte, and served as an integral component in Ruben Amorim's side, making 30 appearances as they were crowned Liga Portugal champions.

At one stage Amorim looked destined to depart the Estadio Jose Alvalade, with reports suggesting he was one of the top contenders to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

Amorim also travelled to London to discuss succeeding David Moyes at West Ham before ultimately opting to remain at Sporting.

The 39-year-old is said to view Hjulmand as an indispensable member of his squad and is reportedly not willing to allow him to leave unless a bid meeting his £67.5m release clause is tabled.

Hjulmand still has four years remaining on his current deal at Sporting and the club are said to view him as 'untouchable'.

The midfielder began his career in his native Denmark before making his senior debut with Austrian side Admira Wacker.

He would go on to join Italian side Lecce, helping the club gain promotion from Serie B before a £15m move to Sporting last summer.

The 25-year-old's form at Lecce earned him his first international callup, and he has since made 10 appearances for Kasper Hjulmand's side.

After being named in Denmark's squad for Euro 2024, Hjulmand appeared in all three of their group stage games and netted his first international goal to equalise in their 1-1 draw with England before being ruled out of the Round of 16 through suspension.

United are determined to bolster their options in the centre of midfield after Casemiro struggled to maintain consistency alongside Kobbie Mainoo last season.

The Brazilian has been linked with a move away this summer, though any interested club would need to be able to meet his wage demands making a move to the Saudi Pro League his most likely destination.

Meanwhile despite not taking up the option to buy as part of Sofyan Amrabat's loan stay at the club, the Moroccan midfielder may still secure a permanent move to Old Trafford.

2024-07-26T15:15:40Z dg43tfdfdgfd