Manchester United in talks over Serie A star who dreamt of joining Premier League rivals
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Manchester United are exploring a January transfer for Patrick Dorgu, talkSPORT understands.
The 20-year-old currently stars for Lecce in Serie A having first joined their academy in 2022 from FC Nordsjælland.
Dorgu is valued at more than £33million, with his position of left-back seen as an in need of strengthening at United this month.
He has featured 56 times for Lecce since his arrival, scoring five goals and assisting another two.
The defender has also made four appearances for the Denmark national team.
Despite United sitting 13th in the Premier League, the opportunity to move to Old Trafford may be too good for Dorgu to turn down.
However, he has previously revealed his admiration for their long-term rivals Chelsea, who were linked with a move last year.
“I have been a Chelsea fan for many years, so of course it's clear that it is a dream,” he told Flashscore via Sport Witness.
“That's not to say I can't switch to other teams in the Premier League, but even if things aren't going so well for them right now, they're my team.”
Manchester United have been playing a system that features wing-backs since Ruben Amorim joined as head coach in November.
Diogo Dalot has regularly featured in the left-sided role amid the long-term absences of Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw.
Dalot is a natural right-back though, so Dorgu could come in and replace him as their starter for the position.
United’s willingness to spend in January comes as no surprise given their shortcomings so far this season.
Their 3-1 defeat to Brighton on Sunday has them 12 points outside of the top four and with just seven league wins to their name.
Amorim, who recently didn’t rule out the prospect of relegation, labelled his side as ‘maybe the worst’ in United’s 147-year history.
United are also expecting at least one outgoing this month as Antony is expected to complete a loan move to Real Betis.
