United will need to act fast as Chelsea enter race for "defensive powerhouse" who Amorim loves - report

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Chelsea have entered the race for Manchester United target Dario Essugo.

Since United appointed Ruben Amorim as head coach, the Red Devils have been linked to a plethora of talents at Sporting Lisbon.

The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Geovany Quenda and Ousmane Diomande have all been rumoured to be on the Old Trafford club’s wishlist.

One name that was also mentioned last month is teenager Essugo, who is currently on loan at Las Palmas.

The 19 year old defensive midfielder was given his debut by Amorim at Sporting last season but went on loan to La Liga in the summer.

It has now been reported that United will face competition from Chelsea for the youngster.

The Sun report that the Blues “want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheap.”

It is stated that the Londoners must act fast though as Leeds United are also looking to snap up the exciting youngster.

“They tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.”

Essugo has played 12 times in La Liga, scoring one goal so far. The Portuguese has also represented his parent club Sporting Lisbon 24 times in total.

Amorim is clearly a fan of the player as he commented after his debut last season, he “is a very talented kid. [And this] is a message for the youngsters. Age doesn’t matter. Sporting is on this path.”

Essugo has been described as a “defensive powerhouse” who has a “near-perfect win rate in aerial duels.”

Therefore, if Amorim is to be united with his former starlet, he will need to act fast to fend off the challenges of both Chelsea and Leeds.

Featured image David Ramos via Getty Images

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