It is said that Manchester United is in negotiations to sign a new “monster” midfield player to replace Erik ten Hag, with only a few hours left in the January transfer window.

reports of a Man Utd transfer

This month, the Red Devils and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are concentrating on loaning out several players; they have not yet made a major acquisition in 2024. On short-term contracts, Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, and Hannibal Mejbri departed Old Trafford to join Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund, and Sevilla, in that order.

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Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche stated last month that the team had kept their word to be quiet in the January market:

“We don’t anticipate a particularly active January transfer window. Deals outside of the team are always an option, especially when it comes to providing opportunities for players who aren’t getting the football playing time they want.

“That being said, we have consistently maintained that January is not the best time to conduct business, and our recruitment approach is still centred around summer windows.”

Despite these remarks, it appears that talks are ongoing on a potential high-profile acquisition for a new midfield player, with time to pursue a late January move, as evidenced by rumours that a bid for Espanyol striker Martin Braithwaite is progressing.

Man Utd speaks with Morten Hjulmand

Man Utd is reportedly in talks to sign Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who has a £68 million release clause, according to claims from Record in Portugal that were passed along by CaughtOffside.

They assert that Ratcliffe and INEOS, along with the Red Devils, are aware of the terms of the agreement; yet, Sporting is considering making Hjulmand captain in an effort to convince him to remain in Portugal.

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Hjulmand, a Danish international, is a versatile midfielder who can play as an attacking, centre, or defensive player, giving Ten Hag a lot of options should a move come together now or in the summer.

The 24-year-old, who attended FC Copenhagen’s academy, is currently employed by Admira Wacker and Lecce in Austria and Italy. After making the summer transfer to Sporting, he has only gotten better; at this point, his Transfermarkt worth is at a career-high €26 million.

When it comes to regaining possession earlier in the season, journalist Zach Lowy dubbed him a “monster” and said he seemed to be the ideal successor to Manuel Ugarte, who departed Portugal for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

As a result, the Red Devils may view Hjulmand as a long-term replacement for Casmeiro, who turns 32 next month. Based on the appearance of the agreement, it appears to be one to watch.