Manchester United and Lecce are reportedly only "€5m (£4m) apart" when it comes to their respective valuations of Patrick Dorgu, suggesting that a deal is likely to go through before the end of the January transfer window.
The Red Devils have allegedly earmarked Dorgu as their number one target in the latter stages of the winter market, with the club determined to bring in a left-sided wing-back due to their issues in that area of the field.
There have been suggestions that Man United could activate their buy-back option on Benfica's Alvaro Fernandez, with the 21-year-old potentially returning to Old Trafford for £15m.
However, the 20-time English champions will reportedly only explore that route if a deal for Dorgu collapses.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Man United are "still intent" on signing the left-back, and the two clubs are now close when it comes to their valuations of the Denmark international.
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Man United "still intent" on signing Dorgu despite Fernandez links
"Manchester United still intent on signing Patrick Dorgu. Third offer incoming. Parties currently €5m (£4m) apart. Manchester United prepared to go higher. Lecce now asking for at least €35m (£29.5m) guaranteed plus add-ons," Jacobs wrote on X.
The 20-year-old has been in strong form for Lecce during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring three goals and registering one assist in 22 appearances in all competitions, with 20 of those outings coming in Serie A.
Lecce president Sticchi Damiani recently suggested that Dorgu would be remaining with the Italian club for the rest of the season following a meeting with Man United.
"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."
Dorgu 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.
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Lecce manager: 'Dorgu not impacted by transfer talk'
Lecce manager Marco Giampaolo has insisted that Dorgu has not been impacted by the recent speculation.
"Top European clubs want him so it's normal to be affected at some point... but he's very mature and serious guy. I don't think the transfer news is going to create any issues, this week he's been working very well," Giampaolo told reporters.
However, Man United are seemingly pushing to secure his services before the end of the transfer window.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have unconvinced in the left-sided wing-back position this season, while Luke Shaw has only made three appearances due to ongoing muscular problems.
Man United will bring Diego Leon to the club from Cerro Porteno this summer, but the 17-year-old is regarded as a long-term option down the left rather than a player capable of making an immediate impact.
Matt Law
