Man United’s opening bid for Patrick Dorgu ‘flatters’ Lecce president, but offer is too low

Manchester United have opened talks with Lecce about signing left-back Patrick Dorgu.

United representatives were in Italy today to discuss signing the Denmark international in this transfer window.

The left wing-back position has been an area of concern since the arrival of manager Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils, represented by Matt Hargreaves, met with Lecce representatives in Milan this afternoon, according to Sky Italia (via Sky Sports).

United are ready to offer £22.5 million plus £4.2m in bonuses for Dorgu, but that is short of his valuation.

Lecce are ready to keep him until the summer if they fail to agree a suitable deal.

President Saverio Sticchi Damiani has described United’s offer as ‘flattering’. He also stated that they want to keep all the big names in their squad, including Dorgu.

Man United will continue negotiating with the Italian club to find a breakthrough, but that will be ‘within what they consider to be responsible financial parameters’.

United cannot afford to spend extravagantly due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club are ready to dispose of players to stay within PSR limits and sign new players.

Marcus Rashford is high on the list of disposable players, but an exit is ‘looking increasingly difficult’ due to the forward’s high wages.

Antony, who is also one of the club’s highest earners, is on the verge of joining Real Betis on loan, but they will pay a sizeable part of his salary.

Casemiro’s proposed move to the Saudi Pro League is ‘off the table’. He may not leave Old Trafford this month, which would bode well for United’s transfer plans.

If United successfully moved on some of the club’s highest earners, signing Dorgu and other targets would become easier.