Manchester United have reportedly had a second bid of approximately £28m for Patrick Dorgu rejected by Lecce, but the Red Devils are expected to return with a third offer before the end of the January transfer window.
Ruben Amorim's side, despite their financial issues, are expected to be active in the latter stages of the market, with Antony heading on loan to Real Betis, while Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho continue to be linked with departures.
The left-sided wing-back position has again been problematic for Man United this term, with Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot both unconvincing in that position, while Luke Shaw has only played three times in 2024-25 due to injury problems.
Tyrell Malacia is another option, but the Netherlands international has struggled to show his best form since returning from almost 18 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.
Man United will bring Diego Leon to the club this summer, with the 17-year-old set to arrive from Cerro Porteno, but he is viewed as a long-term option down the left, rather than a player immediately capable of becoming a starter.
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Man United 'preparing fresh Dorgu bid'
Dorgu is being heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils allegedly pushing to sign him before the January transfer window closes for business.
According to the Daily Mail, the 20-time English champions had a second offer of around £28m turned down by Lille, but a third bid is expected to be lodged in the near future.
The report claims that Lecce value Dorgu in the region of £34m and will refuse to drop their asking price, with the club in a strong position due to the fact that his contract is due to run until June 2029.
The Denmark international broke into the Lecce first team in 2023, and he has represented the Italian team on 56 occasions in all competitions, scoring five goals and registering two assists in the process.
This season, Dorgu has three goals and one assist in 20 Serie A appearances, and he is said to be Man United's leading target down the left despite interest in Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez and Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes.
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Lecce president recently addresses Dorgu future
Lecce president Sticchi Damiani recently said that he is planning to keep hold of Dorgu for the rest of the season.
"The meeting was cordial and went well. For us, sitting down at the table with Manchester United to talk about a player who comes from our Primavera is a satisfaction, it means that the club's growth path is notable," he told Sky Italia.
"We explained to them that our desire at the moment is to keep the team unchanged, keeping all the big names, Dorgu in particular. We made it clear that for us this year is an important appointment with history, we could achieve the third historic salvation.
"Although we are flattered by their offer, the priority for us is the sporting result."
Man United are also expected to move for a new attacker before the end of the January transfer window, with Antony joining Real Betis on loan, while Rashford and Garnacho also continue to be heavily linked with exits.
Matt Law
