Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make a new approach for Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu after failing with an opening offer.
The Red Devils are said to have submitted a €27m (£22.8m) to their Italian counterparts for the fledgling defender, which was quickly rejected as it did not meet their financial demands.
Man United have not been deterred by Lecce's rebuttal, but there are reportedly fears that Serie A powerhouses Napoli could try to hijack a deal for Dorgu after their initial failure.
Napoli are reportedly already working to prise Alejandro Garnacho away from Old Trafford, but Man United are said to be taking steps to ensure that Antonio Conte's side cannot deal them another transfer blow.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are set to come forward with an improved offer for Dorgu, albeit one that is also likely to fall short of Lecce's valuation.
Man United 'trying to advance' Dorgu move
© Imago
The Giallorossi have supposedly slapped a €40m (£33.8m) price tag on the head of the 20-year-old, who is not due to become a free agent until the end of the 2028-29 season.
Man United's new offer is apparently not expected to meet those demands, but if the 20-time English champions can strike a deal with Lecce, a move should go through without a hitch.
Romano adds that Dorgu is excited by the prospect of joining the Red Devils, and there would be 'no issues' between the defender's camp and Man United over the terms of his contract.
Dorgu joined Lecce from the Nordsjaelland academy on an initial loan deal in 2022, one year before his signing was made permanent for just £169k, and the Denmark international has since contributed five goals and two assists from 56 games in all tournaments.
The 2004-born youngster also scored on his senior Denmark debut against Switzerland in September and is not only being courted by Man United, as another Premier League Big Six club have been tipped to make a £33.6m approach.
Why do Man United want to sign Dorgu?
© Imago
The mid-season arrival of Dorgu could kill a couple of birds with one stone, as the 6ft 1in wide man has been a threat on both flanks this term, either as an out-and-out left-back, left wing-back or right-winger.
Man United are in desperate need of reinforcements on the left-hand side given that Luke Shaw is incapable of staying fit for a full season, while Tyrell Malacia is only just starting to rebuild his career after a serious knee injury.
Ruben Amorim has often been forced to play Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui on the left flank, but the duo are far more comfortable on the opposite side, where Dorgu would also be a viable option.
The Dane's arrival could benefit the Red Devils further up the field too, as he would offer another attacking option in place of Real Betis-bound Antony and Marcus Rashford, still expected to leave after falling out of Amorim's good books.
While Man United are not giving up hope of landing Dorgu this month, they have reportedly suffered a fatal blow in their attempts to sign Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich.
Ben Knapton
