Man Utd ‘agree £34m transfer’ as Ruben Amorim unlocks second high-profile exit | Football | Sport

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Lecce over the transfer of Patrick Dorgu before the January window closes, according to reports. Ruben Amorim is said to have secured his top winter target after identifying a new left-wing-back as a priority position to address at the earliest opportunity.

United have suffered woes on the left of the defence for years, with Luke Shaw’s relentless injury issues the core of the problem.

Tyrell Malacia missed 18 months of action due to multiple knee surgeries before he returned earlier this season but has failed to impress as he gets back into the swing of things.

And now Amorim has reportedly recruited a long-term replacement for both, with Italian outlets claiming Dorgu to United is a done deal.

According to SoloLecce, United have agreed to pay an initial £30million to sign Lecce’s star man and then a potential £4m in add-ons.

Salento News are reporting the same information as SoloLecce, the outlet that first broke the news of the Red Devils’ meeting with the Serie A strugglers.

Lecce rejected United’s opening offer worth £21m plus £4m in possible bonuses, holding firm on their valuation of the talented 20-year-old.

On Monday, Fabrizio Romano reported that an improved approach was imminent and that United were confident of success after positive talks.

Dorgu’s Old Trafford arrival would unlock Malacia’s exit, with the club reportedly waiting to wrap up a deal for the Denmark international before sanctioning a loan.

There is said to be vast interest in Malacia across Europe, including in the Premier League, so it would be a surprise if he remained in Manchester beyond February 3.

The 25-year-old recently put his suitors on notice by expressing his eagerness to make an impact since returning from an 18-month injury lay-off.

“You always want to play against the best,” Malacia told the club website. “So that’s why I’m at Manchester United. That’s why you want to play in the Premier League.

“I’m always prepared. I always want to play good games, so it doesn’t matter against who.

“I feel sharp, and I feel ready. All I want to do is to play football. It’s been a long time, so I’m happy to be back.”

Amorim has already overseen one first-term departure this month, sending Antony to Real Betis on loan until the end of the season.

Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro are among the players whose futures remain uncertain in the final week of the window.