Man Utd 'watch star six times this season' – but will need to pay £69m for transfer

Manchester United are keen to lure Christian Eriksen's friend Morten Hjulmand to Old Trafford, having watched him six times this season, but they will need to pay his £69m release clause

Manchester United have reportedly been keeping close tabs on Sporting Lisbon star Morten Hjulmand - but he will cost a pretty penny.

The Danish midfielder has been turning heads in Portugal, and United are keen to lure him to Old Trafford. And chiefs at the Red Devils have already travelled to watch him live six times this season in both the Primeira Liga and the Europa League.

According to The Sun, United are hopeful of landing him and they will use close friend Christian Eriksen to try and close the deal. The Red Devils are even prepared to use Facundo Pellistri as a makeweight.

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However, Sporting have rejected the Pellistri deal, instead wanting United to cough up his £69million release clause.

Hjulmand arrived at Sporting from Lecce for around £15million over the summer, having left shinned in Serie A during his final season on the peninsula. And he could already be on the move again less than six months after his move to Portugal.

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The Red Devils have suffered a torrid campaign - and there could be movements in January with Erik ten Hag looking to steady the ship. Jadon Sancho looks set to leave, with the future of Antony also up in the air.

United are currently 8th in the Premier League table, with just one win their last five, and they face a tricky task at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening.