Manchester United’s search for midfield reinforcements has taken another twist. The club had apparently made Brighton’s Carlos Baleba their prime target, but the asking price of more than £100 million left the deal out of reach. With time running out in the summer window, the Red Devils are now looking at a cheaper but still effective solution.

A central midfielder would still boost United, though. Ruben Amorim opted to start with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal, swapping the latter with Manuel Ugarte in the second half and leaving Kobbie Mainoo on the bench.

Manchester United have signposted Sporting captain Morten Hjulmand as a potential midfield reinforcement after their chase to secure the signature of Carlos Baleba ended last week. The Athletic reports that United manager Ruben Amorim has a strong relationship with the player from their time together in Portugal.