According to the Sun, Manchester United has made an offer to swap midfielder Morten Hjulmand of Sporting Lisbon for attacking midfielder Facundo Pellistri.

The Portuguese team, however, is not interested in a transaction of that nature and has instructed the Red Devils to activate his £69 million release clause in order to acquire him.

Due to his lack of popularity at Old Trafford, Pellistri may leave during the January transfer window.

Man United has targeted Hjulmand and is offering the Ukraine international in exchange as they look to expand their options in defensive midfield.

It appears that they will have to give up £69 million in order to have a shot at signing the Denmark international, as Pellistri is not worth the same to Lisbon as Hjulmand.

At least six times this season, Man United has scouted the 24-year-old Danish dynamo, watching him play in the Europa League and Primeira Liga.

While the elderly Casemiro has struggled with his fitness, manager Erik ten Hag wants to add a new defensive midfield player. Sofyan Amrabat has not impressed since signing on loan from Fiorentina.

Christian Eriksen, who thinks highly of Hjulmand and considers the veteran midfielder to be a mentor, is close friends with Hjulmand.

The Sporting star might be drawn to the opportunity to catch up with him and Rasmus Hojlund at the Theatre of Dreams.

The 6′ 1″ midfielder is known for his accurate long passes and fondness of long-range shooting. He is also a reliable defender and ball interceptor.

Since joining Sporting for approximately £15 million in the summer from Serie A club Lecce, Hjulmand has appeared in 24 games across all competitions, contributing a goal and an assist.

Man United is interested in sending Pellistri elsewhere because of his impressive performance; but, if Sporting insists on selling him for £69 million, a transfer is improbable.

The Red Devils are currently unable to spend that much due to their desire to adhere to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Additionally, a summer deal at that cost is not possible due to their unsatisfactory past experiences with high-profile acquisitions.