Manchester United are ready to submit an improved offer for Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu after his first appearance bid was reportedly rejected.
Ruben Amorim was keen to recruit a new left-back this month to fit his preferred 3-4-3 formation. Right-backs Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot have both failed to consistently perform in this role, while the team’s natural left-backs, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, have both been plagued by injuries.
United had opted for Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes, a player Amorim worked with at Sporting CP, but Dorgu offered himself as an alternative after it became clear the Portuguese full-back was close to agreeing a new contract in France sign.
The Premier League team has already met with Lecce, the Serie A club’s president has revealed, and an initial offer of €27m (£22.8m) was rejected. United are preparing an improved offer but are not yet ready to pay the €40m (£33.8m) price Fabrizio Romano.
The athlete report that United are willing to go up to €30m (£25.4m), although that is still well below Lecce’s valuation. United’s negotiating director Matt Hargreaves has traveled to Italy to continue talks with his Lecce counterpart Pantaleo Corvino.
United is constrained by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations, which limit the amount a club can spend in three consecutive seasons. Antony’s impending loan exit to Real Betis will free up some funds, but the Red Devils could still be without Dorgu.
Napoli are believed to be interested in the 20-year-old and are considering an offer in line with Lecce’s assessment.