Manchester United are “getting closer” to reaching an agreement with Lecce for Patrick Dorgu, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Red Devils have yet to match the Denmark international’s €40m (£34m) valuation but Plettenberg says enough progress is being made to suggest a transfer will happen before the transfer window closes:

“Some of the parties involved feel that both clubs are getting closer to finding a good solution before Deadline Day. Dorgu remains professional but is ready for the move.”

It is believed that United’s opening bid was worth €27m (£23m) but they are expected to return with an improved offer very soon.

Why do United want the player?

The teenager was attracting interest from Premier League clubs even before he made his senior debut for Lecce at the start of last season.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea have all sent scouts to keep tabs on Dorgu but his attributes make him a perfect fit for United.

Since establishing himself in the first team at Lecce, the Dane has been deployed as both a left-back and right-winger, suggesting that he would be very capable of playing in either wingback position for Ruben Amorim.

Alternatives for Dorgu are being lined up

While negotiations with Lecce appear to be moving in the right direction, it has been confirmed by another journalist, Fabrizio Romano, that the Red Devils are also weighing up triggering their buyback option on Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras.

The Spaniard was sold for €6m (£5m) back in May last year but he has impressed whilst playing in Portugal. Romano says the buyback clause is worth €18m (£15m), which makes him a considerably cheaper option than Dorgu.

Most supporters would probably like to see both players brought in, considering how many issues the club have had with keeping left-backs fit over the past couple of years.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here