Manchester United are frontrunners to sign Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand during the summer transfer window, according to A Bola.
The Red Devils are poised to reinforce their midfield this summer with the possibility of multiple exits.
Casemiro will depart when his contract expires at the end of June, while Manuel Ugarte could likewise be shown the exit door in the near future.
Amidst this, A Bola claim that Hjulmand will play his final game for Sporting CP this weekend, as he is expected to move abroad in the summer.
The same publication cite that United are ‘in the lead’ to sign the former Lecce man, who has an informal agreement to part ways with Sporting CP.
Sporting CP could accept a figure between £35 million and £43 million for the defensive midfielder.
Hjulmand doesn’t suit Man Utd’s requirements
The Dane has been one of the leading midfielders in the Portuguese top-flight. He has likewise impressed for Sporting CP in the Champions League in recent years.
The 26-year-old has completed 91 percent of his passes this term with 68 percent duels won. He has also made six recoveries and two tackles per game for Sporting CP.
Despite the positives, he is not the best at winning possession. As per Data MB, Casemiro ranks in the 100th percentile, while Hjulmand is just at the 38th percentile for the same.
Looking at alternatives, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson comes closest to Casemiro (91st percentile) and also fares better in progressive carries and forward passes attempted.
In our view, Hjulmand would be a good fit as a second midfield signing this summer. He should not be seen as a direct replacement for Casemiro in the starting line-up next season.
Stats from Sofascore.com & DataMB.football
