Who is Patrick Dorgu? Man United transfer talks, £33m fee, Lecce stance, Liverpool rejection

Manchester United have reportedly opened talks with Patrick Dorgu amid speculation that United are eyeing the opportunity to bolster their defensive line.

The 20-year-old from Lecce is said to be the topic of discussions but no agreement has been reached. The Athletic has been claimed that Ruben Amorim's side are weighing up the possibility of incomings and outgoings this month, while dialogue is progressing with the Portuguese tactician keen to strengthen this month.

Sunday's 3-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion was the 10th of the campaign for United and a seventh for the 39-year-old during his early tenure at Old Trafford.

Who is Man United 'target' Patrick Dorgu?

Dorgu, 20, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark and has represented the national team at a senior level after making his debut during the September international break. The versatile full-back, who has played at wing-back and further forward for Lecce, began his career at Husum Boldklub before penning terms with Danish giants Nordsjaelland.

He left for Italy in 2022 and has progressed through their academy system to make 43 league appearances for Lecce - scoring four goals.

He made his debut during their Coppa Italia showdown with Como in August 2023 before making his league bow a week later against Lazio.

Leece sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has been credited as finding some of the hottest prospects in Europe - having polished Morten Hjulmand's craft before he left two years later - signing for Amorim's Sporting CP for £15.7million.

Man United transfer latest: Patrick Dorgu

Dorgu has three-and-a-half years remaining on his deal after penning fresh terms in October. The Athletic has claimed that the 20-year-old is seen as a player who can fit into Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system with United keen to bolster their defensive line after Diogo Dalot has been forced to play as a left-back due to Luke Shaw's injury troubles.

Tyrell Malacia, a returning left-back option, is also said to be eyeing a loan move away from Old Trafford after a torrid period of injuries.

Fabrizio Romano has added that United are set to open formal talks with Lecce for Dorgu, although no bid has been tabled. It has been suggested that he is high on their list of targets with Milos Kerkez and Nuno Mendes said to be too expensive.

Lecce are said to be holding out for a fee in the region of €40million (£33.8m), with Dorgu keen on a move to the Premier League.