Manchester United have tabled a £25.3 million bid for Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu, according to The Athletic.
United have identified the Danish youngster as the perfect leftwing-back for the club.
The Red Devils’ director of negotiations, Matt Hargreaves, has met with Lecce officials to discuss signing the Denmark international.
United had initially tabled £22.5m plus £4.2m in bonuses bid for Dorgu, but their offer was £8.4m short of Lecce’s valuation.
‘Figures at United are hopeful that a deal will be agreed’ after increasing their offer for the Danish youngster.
Lecce’s President Saverio Sticchi Damiani is adamant that they will keep Dorgu beyond this month but may find an attractive offer irresistible.
Dorgu is open to joining the Red Devils this month, so agreeing on personal terms with the club may not be an issue.
The 20-year-old is one of the most exciting talents in European football. He has drawn comparisons with former Tottenham Hotspur forward Gareth Bale.
Bale was a right winger but could also play as a left-wing-back. Dorgu has shown similar versatility, playing as a right-winger this term.
The left-wing-back position has been a flaw in manager Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 set-up.
Amorim has relied on right-footed Diogo Dalot to play there.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are the natural left-wing-back options, but Amorim cannot rely on either player.
Shaw has been injured, while Malacia has yet to return to his best after recovering from a knee injury.
United are open to listening to loan offers for Malacia. They want him to get more game time elsewhere and return in the summer to prove himself.
United have set their sights on other targets if they fail to agree a deal for the Lecce ace. Benfica’s Alvaro Fernandez is one of the ‘options’ being targeted.
