Patrick Dorgu has already passed first Manchester United test as £33m transfer talks begin

Patrick Dorgu could very easily have lined up against Manchester United for bitter rivals Liverpool, but following the advice of his agent now finds himself a possible Old Trafford recruit instead.

Man United have opened transfer talks with Serie A's Lecce for the signing of 20-year-old Dorgu. Ruben Amorim continues to assess his options for January signings with a particular focus on a left-sided full-back, with his reported £33m (€40m) price tag crucially less than that of other targets.

Since arriving in Italy from boyhood club Nordsjaelland in 2022, the Man United target has made 43 first-team appearances for Lecce. Even after a maiden campaign turning out for their youth teams, he was so highly-rated that Premier League clubs were rumoured to circling.

Kingsley Ogbodo, Dorgu's agent, even went as far as revealing Liverpool had made contact in June 2023 when speaking to Danish outlet Bold via Sport Witness. It was his recommendation that Jurgen Klopp and Co be ignored in favour of waiting for another club to come calling.

Ogbodo said: "Liverpool want him. Liverpool have been watching him and interested in him for some time, but if he goes there, he’ll have to play in the U23 team.

"It’s not the best for him, so I advise him not to do it. They can offer him a lot of money, but that’s not what we’re looking for right now. We focus on his career, development and playing time."

And then he continued, adding: "Liverpool are, of course, not the only club that want him. There are many clubs here in England who are keeping an eye on him.

"Manchester City kept an eye on him when he played against England for the U19 national team in Hobro in Denmark. Lecce’s scout has also told me that Barcelona is also keeping an eye on Patrick, because he’s a huge talent."

Remaining with Lecce until 2025 always seemed to be the plan. Ogbodo finished: "Two more seasons so he can mature and gain experience. So when he moves on to a bigger club in a few seasons, we will know at that time that he is ready for it."

That rejection of Liverpool's advances more than 18 months ago was a pivotal point on Dorgu's path - one that could yet divert in Old Trafford's direction. As recently as last week he was still linked with being a top Anfield target by Solo Lecce.

His decision to so far resist a move to Liverpool could ultimately work in United's favour - and could prove crucial for Ruben Amorim in his quest for a new left-back.

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