Manchester United and Newcastle United reportedly ran the rule over Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand earlier this week.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on HITC, Morten Hjulmand is gaining popularity in the market. The Sporting CP midfielder had several scouts watching him against Benfica in the Taca de Portugal semi-final second leg earlier this week, with Manchester United and Newcastle United dispatching their talent spotters.
The Rise and Rise of Morten Hjulmand
Morten Hjulmand has seen his stock skyrocket in the last few years. The 24-year-old rose in prominence during his stint with Italian outfit US Lecce, having served the club as the captain before joining Sporting CP in last summer’s transfer window.
The 24-year-old took no time to get going at Sporting CP, immediately establishing himself as a pivotal figure for the club. The Danish international has amassed nearly 3,000 minutes of game time across 42 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with four goals and four assists. Meanwhile, Hjulmand’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs.
Many European bigwigs, particularly from the Premier League, mulled over securing Hjulmand’s services in last summer’s transfer window before he joined Sporting CP. The English giants remain keen on signing the former US Lecce captain, with Manchester United and Newcastle United dispatching scouts to watch him this week.
Premier League Calling?
Manchester United’s interest in Morten Hjulmand is understandable. The Red Devils will likely oversee a midfield overhaul in the summer transfer window, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Donny van de Beek facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford. In addition, Manchester United will not complete a permanent move for Sofyan Amrabat. The Sporting CP midfielder is thus a viable target.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies are scouring the market for a midfielder heading into the summer transfer window. While the Tyneside outfit will prefer to retain the services of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, the duo faces an uncertain future at St. James’ Park. Hjulmand is thus an option worth considering. Meanwhile, his contract contains a release clause worth £70 million.
Manchester United and Newcastle United have the finances to afford a deal worth £70 million to sign Hjulmand. However, the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules might play spoilsport. So, it will be interesting to see if either club can sign the 24-year-old Danish international in the summer transfer window.
