Man United are refusing to give up on pursuit of Serie A starlet as club increase offer after Italian club REJECTED latest £28m bid

Manchester United have made a second offer of around £28million for Lecce wing back Patrick Dorgu, who is valued at £33.6m.

United are looking to build their squad under new manager Ruben Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag last last year in a bid to turn around the Red Devils’ fortunes.

Since taking charge, the Portuguese has implemented a back-three system that has relied somewhat on the attacking play of the wing backs, though, in terms of players to play that position, options have been thin.

Luke Shaw is again injured, while Tyrell Malacia is on the comeback from a long-term injury. Diego Dalot has often been filling in on the left, but is better on the right.

On that side, Noussair Mazraoui has also played the role on occasion, though has seemed more comfortable as part of the back three.

Amad Diallo is another player who has played wing back, but has excelled in a more attacking role, which has included a hat-trick against Southampton last week.

United are therefore keen to sign more natural players to fill the role, with Dorgu, 28, who is also a full Denmark international, top of the list.

Their initial £23m plus add-ons offer was rejected, with United director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves left Milan on Wednesday night after meeting with Lecce president Sticchi Damiani, as well as agents Frank Trimboli and Leon Angel.

United had initially targeted Nuno Mendes at Paris Saint-Germain but that was always a difficult deal due to the expense. 

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez was another under consideration but again would not be sold cheaply.

Dorgu’s contract with Serie A side Lecce expires in 2029. He started out in his youth career at Copenhagen-based side Husum Boldklub before moving to Nordsjaelland’s youth academy.

In 2022 he signed for Lecce and a year later he was promoted to the senior team, making his debut in August 2023 in the Coppa Italia.

Since then he has gone on to establish himself as a first-team regular. He has started all but one of Lecce’s league games this season, with the one he missed being due to a red card.

In September he made his debut for Denmark against Switzerland and he scored his maiden international goal with his first touch after just 42 seconds.

Lecce, meanwhile, have asked about Leicester City left winger Laolu Omobolaji, 17.

United winger Antony flew to Spain on Friday night ahead of completing his loan to Real Betis, who are paying 84 per cent of his salary, plus potential bonuses depending on performances.