Man Utd and Juventus dealt bad news as Sporting CP hike up Morten Hjulmand asking price

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are preparing a player-plus-cash offer for Hjulmand, with Douglas Luiz set to be included in the deal. However, Portuguese outlet A Bola report that no offers have been received for Hjulmand, who has an €80m (£68m/$92m) release clause. Sporting are only willing to consider bids close to that figure.

Sporting signed Hjulmand from Italian side Lecce for €18m (£15m/$21m) in 2023, making him the club’s third most expensive signing. Since then, he has emerged as a leader and one of Sporting’s most valuable players alongside Viktor Gyokeres. His rise has naturally drawn interest from abroad, with United manager Ruben Amorim reportedly keen on a reunion with the midfielder. However, with Gyokeres off to Arsenal, Sporting are unwilling to lose more key players and have told suitors that only a bid meeting Hjulmand’s release clause will be considered in an effort to ward off further interest.

Hjulmand’s agent informed Sporting that Juventus were preparing a bid of up to €40m (£34m/$46m) plus player for the midfielder, A Bola says. Reports in Italy claim Hjulmand has agreed personal terms with the Bianconeri and is keen on a return to Italy. He has a close relationship with Amorim, however, revealing that the Portuguese coach was a big factor in his decision to join Sporting, which could tempt him to move to Old Trafford instead.

Sporting are counting on their steep asking price to fend off interest in Hjulmand, allowing them to shift full focus to next season’s preparations.